A new treatment to improve respiratory function in cases of pulmonary emphysema was carried out for the first time in Calabria in the complex Pneumology operational unit of the Renato Dulbecco university hospital in Catanzaro directed by Professor Girolamo Pelaia.
The technique, implemented by the structure which has been involved for decades in the treatment and clinical research regarding chronic obstructive respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consists in the endoscopic positioning of unidirectional endobronchial valves, with the aim of reducing lung volume. In particular, some highly technological microvalves made of nitinol, a material biocompatible with the human organism, are positioned inside the bronchi.
These valves, measuring approximately 5 millimeters in diameter, prevent the supply of the dysfunctional areas, thus diverting the air towards the functioning and vital sectors, with consequent improvement in the patient’s respiratory performance.
“This is an innovative intervention, carried out by a few centers in Italy – the Dulbecco company says – which was possible thanks to the collaboration between Giusy Marrazzo, the company’s interventional pulmonologist and Giuseppe Failla of the Palermo civic hospital. After a careful study of lung function, the first patient underwent insertion of endobronchial valves and the procedure took place without complications. The patient was discharged after a few nights of hospitalization for observation and monitoring.”
The operation was carried out in synergy with the doctors of the structure Pasquale Romeo, Chiara Piizzi, Maria Teresa Busceti, Corrado Pelaia, Giada Procopio and doctors in specialist training and with assistance from the doctors of the anesthesia unit. Vincenzo Brescia and doctors in specialist training.
Continue reading on StrettoWeb
