About Air Leaks

Air leaks are caused by injury to the lung, resulting in an accumulation of air in the chest that can cause breathing difficulties.

Most air leaks are small in volume, self-limiting, and close naturally within three to four days. In some cases they persist longer at which point they become classified as prolonged.

A Novel Interventional Approach to Control Prolonged Air Leaks

The IBV Valve System provides a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with damaged lung resulting in air leaks.
The small umbrella-shaped valves are deployed into the airways of the lungs via a catheter passed through a bronchoscope. Once in place, the IBV Valves prevent air from flowing to the injured tissue while still allowing mucus to exit through normal ciliary transport. Reduction in the flow of air to injured lung tissue promotes healing and accelerates resolution of an air leak. The valves may be removed later via a similar bronchoscopic procedure.

The preceding statements are intended for European audiences and use only.
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