A Less Invasive Procedure to Treat Emphysema

PHILADELPHIA (KYW NEWSRADIO 1060) -- Local researchers are finding some success with a new procedure that helps emphysema patients feel better.

KYW's Lynne Adkins reports that the procedure is less invasive and less risky than surgery, but does the same thing -- reducing the size of the diseased lung allowing the patient to better use the healthy portion.

Dr. Gerard Criner, chief of pulmonology at Temple University Hospital, says valves were put into the diseased lung, letting air escape and preventing the over inflation of the affected area.

"To show that the principals that lung volume reduction surgery showed that reducing lung volume can improve exercise performance and quality of life and in some even improve their survival."

He says the work is only preliminary, but promising.

(file photo/Getty Images)