A New Therapy for Patients with Emphysema.

Our Therapy

What is the Implantable Artificial Bronchus:

The Implantable Artificial Bronchus (IAB) device is a small, specially designed airway device made from a flexible, durable material known as PEEK. It’s shaped to fit the airways comfortably, with the larger end placed closer to the main airway and the smaller end extending deeper into the lung. Once in place, the IAB gently expands on its own to help keep the airway open and improve airflow.

How Is the IAB Placed:

Getting an Implantable Artificial Bronchus does not involve a surgery or more medications. Instead, the IAB is placed in the lung(s) during a short bronchoscopic procedure.

Before the procedure the doctor provides anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable. Then, a thin tube with a camera and light (called a bronchoscope) will be gently inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs. The doctor will use a special tool (the Delivery System) to place the IAB in the right spot.

Once in place, the IAB will expand on its own to keep the airway open. Afterward, the doctor will remove the Delivery System and the bronchoscope. Depending on the patient’s condition, more than one IAB may be implanted during the procedure to achieve optimal results.

What is COPD/Emphysema?

Emphysema is a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs. These air sacs, called alveoli, are at the ends of tiny airways in the lungs, as shown in the image below.

Normally, these air sacs stretch when breathing in, filling with air, and contract when breathing out, letting the air go. But in emphysema,
the air sacs lose their ability to stretch, they become swollen (hyper inflated) and can cause collapse of the bronchial airways when breathing out. This repetitive cycle traps air inside the lungs, a condition called hyperinflation.

When this happens, it becomes harder to breathe because air can’t flow in and out of the lungs properly. This makes it difficult to take deep breaths and can leave the patient feeling short of breath.

Most Common Symptoms:

Common symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/Emphysema include:

  • Shortness of breath: Breathless, especially when exercising or during other types of physical activity.

  • Chronic cough: A cough that doesn’t go away, often with mucus,
    and may get worse after a cold or illness.

  • Wheezing or whistling: A whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, especially when breathing out.

  • Chest tightness: The chest is often tight or heavy, making it hard to take a deep breath or causing pain when breathing.

  • Fatigue: Feeling very tired, even after resting.

Reference:  Adapted from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

The Implantable Artificial Bronchus (IAB)

IAB placement in the lungs

The Pulmair Implantable Artificial Bronchus has been granted or awarded the following patents:

Patented: US10806560, USUS11096773, BR102015011376-5, AU2019385783, CA3117690, EP3095414 (validated in CH, DE, FI, FR, GB, IT, & NL), EP3883482 (validated in CH, DE, FI, FR, GB, IT, & NL),HK40061286, JP7425796, US11510771, US11654010, AU202112474, AU202112475, CA202804, CA202805, EM008523245-00051-0008, GM61339851-6133988, JP1701902, JP1701931, US D954953, and D1057951. Additional patents pending.