COPD® Balloon
Small bronchi are particularly affected in COPD. Sputum production increases in the 3 to 8 millimeters of these bronchi due to smoking. Afterwards, the sputum solidifies and forms a mechanical plug. The goblet cells in the small bronchioles, the cells responsible for sputum production, become hyperplasia (swell), the bronchial smooth muscle becomes hypertrophied (swelled), and the increased mucus (sputum) accumulating in the narrowed bronchial space mechanically obstructs the bronchi. Despite medications, expectorants, and physiotherapy, these sputum can solidify and form mechanical plugs.
Mechanical plugs formed in the airways both negatively affect the respiratory capacity of the patient, can cause infections, and negatively effect drugs reaching and affecting the small airways. Mechanical cleaning of the respiratory tract in patients with COPD and severe asthma allows a significant increase in respiratory functions, a serious improvement in shortness of breath, and a normalization of sputum character. Although the importance of effective bronchial cleaning and its effect on eliminating shortness of breath are known, a suitable method has not been found in practice until today.
With the bronchial deobstruction treatment technique I have developed, bronchial lumens are opened, sputum is removed, and sputum-forming bronchial lumen is treated. Thus, it contributes to the solution of a very important problem in COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) patients. In this COPD treatment technique, the trachea is entered with a bronchoscope under general anesthesia and all clogged airways are cleaned one by one with the help of a special device. With this method, the bronchi that are clogged and air flow blocked due to COPD are opened and the patient regains the freedom of breathing.
