Peoria IL., January 28, 2008 – Researchers at Peoria Pulmonary Associates today announced the start of the EASE (Exhale Airway Stents for Emphysema) Trial, an international, multi-center clinical trial to explore an investigational procedure for advanced widespread emphysema/COPD. Conducted at Methodist Medical Center, the study focuses on a procedure called airway bypass. Airway bypass is a bronchoscopic procedure designed to reduce lung hyperinflation and shortness of breath (the clinical hallmarks of emphysema/COPD) by making new pathways for trapped air to exit the lungs.
