Lima Memorial Health System Introduces Innovative Spiration® Valve System

posted on: 10/25/2019 8:09:28 AM

Lima Memorial has introduced a new procedure to the Greater Lima Region that brings relief to those suffering from emphysema. The FDA-approved Spiration^® Valve System (SVS) is a minimally-invasive treatment that provides adult patients suffering from this debilitating disease an opportunity for an improved quality of life.

For patient Chris (Donald) Wilson, his decision to have this procedure came with little hesitation. “Having struggled to breathe for more so many years, I was so happy to learn of this new treatment option,” stated Wilson who had the procedure performed earlier this month. “I was able to take four laps around the unit on the afternoon of my procedure, something I couldn’t have imagined doing previously. I haven’t felt this good in years.”

Emphysema is a progressive form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and affects 3.5 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease leads to loss of elasticity in lung tissue, ultimately causing severe shortness of breath.

“We are pleased to add the Spiration^® Valve System to our treatment portfolio for patients with severe emphysema,” says Dr. Jason Stienecker, Pulmonologist with Lima Memorial Pulmonary Center. "In the patients we’ve treated thus far, the most important outcome we are seeing is the marked reduction in shortness of breath," Dr. Stienecker further shared. "This has resulted in an improved quality of life with marked improvement in depression and helplessness.”

The Spiration^® Valve System is an umbrella-shaped device that is placed in targeted airways of the lung during a short bronchoscopic procedure, usually less than 15 minutes. Once in place, the device redirects air from diseased parts of the lung to healthier parts, allowing healthy lung tissue to expand and function more effectively. With a potential reduction in lung volume, without a large and lengthy invasive procedure, a patient may be able to breathe more easily and experience improvement in their quality of life and total lung function.

“Lima Memorial’s investment in the Spiration^® Valve System demonstrates our commitment to putting patients first through innovation,” states Dr. Stienecker. “It’s invaluable to have cutting edge and advanced treatment options available locally. I finally have something to offer patients who previously were left without options other than medications or a lung transplant.”