Surgical fix offers new hope for failed emphysema treatment
NCT ID NCT05257681
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tests a surgical procedure for people with severe emphysema or COPD who did not get enough benefit from a standard treatment using bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (valves). The surgery uses small chest incisions to complete the fissures between lung lobes and remove scar tissue, aiming to reduce air trapping and improve breathing. Up to 20 participants aged 40 to 75 will be enrolled to see if the procedure is feasible and safe.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- surgical procedure (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or robotic stapling to complete lung fissures and remove adhesions)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a second chance for emphysema patients who didn't benefit from a less invasive valve procedure, potentially improving breathing and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early pilot study with only 20 people. The surgery is invasive and carries risks like infection, bleeding, or complications that could outweigh benefits. Success is not guaranteed.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for EMPHYSEMA OR COPD are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- New exercise trick boosts strength in lung disease patients
- Can a heart drug combo help COPD lungs?
- Surgery-Plus-Valve combo aims to boost lung function in emphysema patients
- New lung implant aims to release trapped air in emphysema patients
- New lung implant aims to ease breathing for emphysema patients
- Lung valve registry shows promise for emphysema patients