Advances in the Treatment of Pulmonary Emphysema

The Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pneumology Unit of the Hospital Universitario Fundación Jimenez Díaz is the first hospital in Spain and the one with the most experience in the treatment of pulmonary volume reduction by bronchoscopy using coil and valve implants.

What advances have been made in the treatment of pulmonary emphysema?

These new treatments are indicated for patients who suffer from severe emphysema with hyperinflation, that is to say, who have severe air trapping. These are patients who were smokers and suffer a very limiting situation due to their respiratory disease. With these treatments a significant improvement is achieved in the quality of life of the patient who begins to breathe better and with less fatigue.

This technique performed at the Interventional Bronchoscopy Unit of the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, leader in Spain in terms of complexity and number of cases treated, is designed to improve pulmonary function and quality of life of patients with severe pulmonary emphysema. These treatments require the collaboration of other Departments such as Radiology, Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Function Laboratory, etc.

The coils (springs) are made of a material called nitinol which does not prevent MRI studies from being carried out and does not affect safety controls. In each intervention, about ten coils are implanted per lung depending on which area is most affected.

Each candidate patient must be evaluated in an arranged consultation or referred by his or her specialist physician, since the criteria to be met are very demanding in order to receive these treatments.

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70 years fighting emphysema

The Fundación Jiménez Díaz, part of the Quirónsalud group, was founded more than 70 years ago by Dr. Carlos Jiménez Díaz and has maintained an agreement with the public health system since 1953, through which it provides public health services to Spanish society. Following the commitments of the group to which it belongs, its professionals carry out healthcare, teaching and research work.

Thus, it has agreements with the Universidad Autónoma, among other entities, and has its own School of Nursing.