Testing thermal ablation for pulmonary emphysema – G-BA commissions study support

26.08.2022 10:50

As an independent scientific institution, IHF GmbH – Institute for Heart Attack Research will accompany the trial study on thermal ablation for severe pulmonary emphysema. The current award decision by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) was preceded by a Europe-wide tendering process. The results of the test study should enable the G-BA to reliably assess the medical benefits of this treatment method.

During bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using thermal ablation, also known as bronchoscopic vapor therapy (BTVA), dysfunctional, overinflated lung tissue is reduced in size using hot water vapor. The purpose of the test study is to investigate whether additional BTVA has a patient-relevant benefit compared to exclusively conservative standard therapy in severe pulmonary emphysema.

Tasks of the independent scientific institution

As an independent scientific institution, IHF GmbH will prepare, accompany and evaluate the test study:

• In preparation for the study, IHF GmbH creates the study protocol and obtains the official approvals necessary to start the study as well as the vote of the ethics committee(s).
• The study centers selected by IHF GmbH include suitable patients in the study.
• After completing the study, IHF GmbH evaluates the data collected and submits a final report on the study results to the G-BA for further consultation.

The G-BA will provide information on the current status of the study financed by statutory health insurance on its website:  BENTO – Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in severe pulmonary emphysema using thermal ablation

Service providers who want to take part in the trial as study centers can find relevant FAQs, the exact study description and the contact details of IHF GmbH on the linked page.