About the Treatment Method
Clearing the Lung Canals
The patient is put to sleep under operating room conditions. The main airways (bronchi) are accessed with a bronchoscope. A special, sturdy mesh-structured balloon is sent to the end of the bronchus, which is covered with a phlegm-producing layer and blocked, and inflated. As the balloon is pulled back, it strips and scrapes this diseased and frothy mucosal layer, opening all the blocked pathways.
The destruction (emphysema) caused by COPD in the lung tissue is permanent, and the balloon does not reset this condition. The aim of balloon therapy is to mechanically open the blocked airways. After the procedure, the patient continues to have COPD, but because the phlegm is removed and the canals are opened, the patient's effort capacity (walking, climbing stairs) increases incredibly, and their dependence on the oxygen machine decreases.
If the patient continues to smoke after the procedure, the canals will quickly become blocked again. If smoking is completely stopped and COPD medications (inhalers) are continued, the refreshing effect of balloon scraping can last for months or years.
The information on this page is for general health advice. Please consult specialized physicians for personalized treatment or advice.
