There's no cut, so the valve procedure ...

BREATHING with emphysema about three million Americans living with emphysema. Patients with severe disease may choose surgery to cut part of the lung - but this can be dangerous. Now that is a simple solution under study. Robert Baker knows something about playing pool. But a few months ago, even this simple hobby became difficult. Robert has emphysema. "It became harder and harder to breathe, and any effort at all, and I'll choke."

He could not even walk to get your mail. "I could not go more than 100 yards, if that."

Emphysema happens when sacs in the lungs become too large, and air gets trapped.

Jonathan Truwit, MD

Charlottesville, Virginia

"Therefore, they have inflated the lungs, as well as the Michelin Man inside."

Now, Dr. Jonathan Truwit offers patients a new, non-surgical option. Tiny valves like this implanted in the lungs - by region. Valves act as an umbrella. They prevent the ingress of air into the patient of the lungs and redirect it to a healthy region. Jonathan Truwit, MD

"air gets into an umbrella and get trapped in an umbrella and turn around and leave."

There's no cut, so the valve procedure is less risky than conventional surgery - and recovery easier. Jonathan Truwit, MD

"I think it's terrific. I think that we offer opportunities for patients, if it turns out to have no less invasive means of improving their quality of life. "

Robert felt the benefits. "I am more energetic. I just healthy. "

And now he feels well enough to beat his wife in their favorite game. Valve procedure was performed approximately 75 patients so far. There are risks in terms of security. About 7 percent of patients suffering from lung collapse. If the patient's problems, the valves can be removed. Dr. Truwit says the valves may offer an alternative for patients who are too sick to have normal lung surgery. BACKGROUND: Emphysema is a condition in which inflation is on structures in the lungs known as alveoli or air sacs. This lasix 80 mg inflation in the destruction of alveolar walls, leading to shortness of breath and reduced respiratory function. Damage to the air sacs is irreversible and leads to a permanent hole in the tissue of the lower lungs. Early symptoms of emphysema shortness of breath and cough. The patient experiences great difficulty exhaling. Emphysema of the lungs develop as suddenly, it comes gradually. Years irritation effects cigarette smoke usually precede the development of emphysema. Emphysema is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the National Endowment for emphysema. Nearly 3 million Americans living with the disease and about 120,000 die each year. Standard treatment Quitting smoking: Experts say that the refusal of smoking is the most important factor for maintaining healthy lungs. Antibiotics: they can help treat bacterial infections that are common in patients with emphysema. Broncholytic drugs: These prescription drugs relax and open airways in the lungs. They can be inhaled or taken orally. Exercise: Doctors recommend breathing exercises to strengthen muscles. Transplantation of lungs: Recent studies have shown encouraging results for patients who undergo this procedure. Lung volume reduction surgery: Surgeons remove some of the most patient of the lungs. This increases the free space in the chest cavity and allows the patient to breathe better. A new method of treatment: patients now have another non-surgical option to treat emphysema. Jonathan Truwit, MD, head of the department of pulmonology and intensive care University of Virginia in Charlottesville. It examines the new procedure in which small valves block the entry of air into parts of the lungs, suffering from disease. Dr. Truwit introduces tiny valves, while the patient is under anesthesia. With the bronchoscope, it is usually inserted six to nine lamps. "We believe that the risk to the patient will be much lower because of reduced working time and room to reduce recovery time," says Dr. Truwit. "They can leave the hospital the next day."

So far, the procedure was performed only on 75 patients across the country. "Their breathlessness was significantly reduced. Their quality of life improved, "he says. This operation opens up another option for patients who are not healthy enough to undergo transplantation of lungs or other surgical procedures of emphysema. There are some risks, however. About 7 percent of patients who suffered a collapse lung. Box 800546, Charlottesville, VA 22908

Copyright 2006.