I am wondering if anyone has had participated in one of the coil trials presently going on?
If so, how much have the coils made a difference? Please give us examples, such as an idea of your background symptoms and situation, as compared to the present symptoms and situation.
Also, does anyone know how long the benefits from them last, once placed in the lungs?
Thank you!
Evening brenda! This is very intresting never heard of coils that they now put in lungs untill I just come accross your dicussion! I wander how they help & also what they are made of! could it be metal or plastic if it's either of these all I could imagine is mass iritation as some people are allergic to metal suchas myself I'm not sure about how the plastic might affect someone but then some plastics can be harmful aswell...I'll be keeping an eye out on any info thank you for such an intresting information! I'll let you& everyone know if I gain any knowledge about this new if new treatment trial!
Please see the following:-
National Institute for Health & Care Excellence - Interventional Procedures Programme. Interventional procedures overview of insertion of endobronchial nitinol coils to improve lung function in emphysema
This will give you the information you are seeking.
Hi Karen! Yes, it is very interesting. I live in USA and we are presently in the process of having trials for Lung Volume Reduction Coil treatments. I am not certain what country you are in, but some countries already have the coils. The coil is made of Nickel, and up to 13 each lung are placed by a bronchoscope. After one lung is completed, the other lung will have coils put in several weeks later. The coils work by compressing the lungs, causing tension, which helps restore elasticity, and channeling air. It is suppose to replace the LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery), since it is less invasive, due to using a brochoscope to place the tiny coils versus the surgical way it could be done. Also, the difference is coils versus surgically cutting too. I 'love' to read about them, but in my country, the coils are still in trial, snd are not on the market yet, but does sound promising. I am not sure how long they are effective once placed, but have been trying to find out. I am guessing that it has not been around too long yet to know..lol. Thank you for offering that if you gain any knowledge about the coils you will let me/us know!
Thank you so much Martin... I am sure this website will give us lots of good information, and hoping Karen, and others receives this information too!
Afternoon Brenda! Thank you for your reply! And Oh hell that means that these coils wont be any good to thosewho are allergic to the nickel in metal thats a shame, I'm going to check this out & see what else I çan find out it might také some time a few days përhaps but will let u & all know one way or another have a good day whats left of it!
Hi Brenda
The coils have been is used in Europe, notably Germany since 2008 and there have been more than 3000 sufferers who have had the coils implanted. Given the recent emergence of the treatment reports indicate that the coils have been effective for at least three years and counting....
Thank you for that good information Martin. That sounds like good news, since I am hoping the lungs will remain with better breathing, along with (hopefully) no progression, or if must have progression, very very slow progression. I hope the coil never wear off. The three years and counting, so far, so good!
I have heard about a few people who were allergic to Nickel, and they could not participate in having coils put into their lungs. I am wondering if they will possibly make them in another form for those who are allergic? Thank you for checking out coils (or Lung Volume Reduction Coil), and please let us know if you find anything good or interesting for us to know!
Morning Brenda! Just letting you know I haven't found any new info yet but don't worry I haven't forgotten! And as you mrntioned that you don't know which country I'm in for your info it's England united kingdom & I don't know if the coil trial is running this side of the world but will find out & let you know!.......
I live in New York and I am trying to find a UK (or other European) hospital that would perform the coil procedure. I am willing to privately pay. Does anyone have any ideas?
Hi Albert
As far as I am aware Trials are being conducted at the Royal Brompton Hospital (part of Imperial College)( Dr Nick Hopkinson or Dr Palav Shah). Also in Germany at the University of Heidleburg (Dr Felix Herth).
Thank you Martin! I am hoping that it will turn out great too.
Martin, please let us know how the surgery went for you, and how it has benefited your health and life, if you decide to have it done.
I wish you the best of luck!
Hi Karen,
I am allergic too to nickel but think the coils must be coated as this allergy is common.I have had stents in my heart - angioplasty with no problem when had M1 [ heart attack]I am also in pursuit of a trial but you have to submit all test results which haven't been done?
I am stuck with a lung function dept only a looking at sleep apnea & a CPAP machine not very effective when probably have micro vascular & syncope as told terminal 15 yrs ago when had really bad nocturnal cough effecting continence .
So had acupuncture & flu jab regularly.Now have no energy or stamina & mobility reliant on mobility scooter.
Sorry, I meant to address it to "Albert" (sorry Martin)! Albert was the one asking for information regarding hospitals (European) for Coil procedure.
Hi Brenda
I'm still a work in progress as I have yet to have the other lung treated. I contracted Apergillus - a fungal disease - and am now on a court of medication, after which, if my lungs are clear, I can have the second treatment.
Martin,
Thank you for the wonderful news...so happy for you...it sounds positive !
Congratulations, and I hope your recovery will improve and as soon possible!
What COPD stage are you in, or what is your, FEV1 percent? How many coils did you have put in the one lung?
I am hoping that your stage and percentage will greatly improve.
Please keep us updated! I am hoping they will put the Coils on market in the USA, and that many health insurance plans will pay for the procedure, since I am sure they will probabably be very expensive, hopefully not though. But, they are presently having the coil trials in USA, and have heard that they may possibly end sometime in 2016.
Please keep us posted...thank you!
Brenda x
Forgot to add.....I wish the same for the UK and Australia (and other countries too)....so nice they seem to be working with resolving and helping those who have emphysema or COPD. I hope Science keeps trying to find ways to alleviate COPD, and other lung diseases.
I first heard heard of them via a Mail article found on Yahoo , about a caretaker who had them and very successfull.They changed his life .There are also valves but am finding NHS has not done appropriate tests .I don't think on NHS yet. As poor breathing can be fatal this is not funny .
I am so glad I ran across this info!! I've been in a pretty bad flare up here in the most humid part of the US, This actually gives me a bit of hope. Which I badly need right now. A month ago I and a friend laid several pallets of sod, I shaved both the dogs, Then I got that good ole sob, tightness in my chest. I've not even been able to go to a decent large grocery store. I managed our little neighborhood grocery store, but it took lots of stop and rest, catch breath,etc. I broke down (or rather my son came home to take) me to our PCP. I had started back on the Mucinex DM, on Sat. and thought I was getting better.steroid shot, antibiotic shot, 7 days of strong antibiotics and a gazillion mg Prednisone. I've been on the Symbacort and Sprivia with a rescue inhaler. I'm hoping I'm waay better tomorrow. I'll be looking coil deal up.
Thanks so much