New treatment modalities for end-stage emphysema

Emphysema, which is related to smoking, represents a major health threat worldwide. It is estimated that in the United States alone there are approximately 2 million adults who have emphysema , and in the year 2000 a total of 16,700 people died from this condition , making this condition, together with other chronic lower respiratory illnesses, one of the top 15 causes of death in that year. Approximately $2.5 billion annually are spent on the treatment of emphysema and its related complications .
Source: Chest Surgery Clinics of North America - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Source Type: research