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JORNAL DO ALMOÇO – GLOBO NEWS
JANUARY 9, 2024
Porto Alegre, Brazil
A Prototype Implantable Artificial Bronchus Reduces Lung Hyperinflation in Recently Deceased Patients with Emphysema.
Several minimally invasive treatments have been offered to patients with severe emphysema over the last two decades. Currently, endobronchial valves (EBVs) are the only approved therapeutic option, but this method has drawbacks: only a few can undergo this therapy and the incidence of pneumothorax remains high. A minimally invasive technique, appropriate for a broader patient population and posing fewer risks, would represent a desirable alternative to improve lung function in these patients.
Publication
Interim Report:
IAB-1 Study
A Multicenter, Prospective Trial Of The Implantable Artificial Bronchus (IAB) In Adults Suffering From COPD/Emphysema
The Implantable Artificial Bronchus (IAB, Pulmair Medical, Inc.) is a new treatment for emphysema patients. IABs are bronchoscopically placed into diseased airways to relieve hyperinflation and allow bidirectional ventilation of affected lobes. IAB-1, an ongoing, first-in-human trial (NCT05087641) investigates the feasibility of this PEEK stent with 10 specific safety events as the primary endpoint and other safety and efficacy measures as secondary endpoints.
IAB Prevents Expiratory Collapse
The IAB is a self-expanding airway stent placed bronchoscopically in severe emphysema patients to prevent expiratory collapse, reducing RV by releasing hyperinflated air. The IAB is made from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), a biocompatible polymer. In the IAB-1 trial (NCT05087641), the stent was examined with a thin bronchoscope at 30- and 90-days.
IAB: Performance Up to 1 Year
IAB-1 First-in-Human Study Results
Feasibility, Safety, and Early Clinical Outcomes in Severe Emphysema
This first-in-human, multicenter study evaluated the feasibility and safety of the Implantable Artificial Bronchus (IAB) in patients with severe emphysema. The bronchoscopically delivered, self-expanding PEEK stent restores airway patency and prevents expiratory collapse, enabling the release of hyperinflated air regardless of collateral ventilation or disease distribution. Results demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements across multiple functional and quality-of-life measures, with insights that informed refinements in patient selection, implantation technique, and device delivery—supporting the IAB as a promising option for patients ineligible for other interventional therapies.