Heat treatment through breathing tubes for severe lung disease

Plain-English translation of NCT05717192 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a procedure called bronchoscopic thermoablation (using the InterVapor® System) to treat severe emphysema — a lung disease that damages air sacs and makes breathing very difficult. The procedure uses gentle heat applied through a thin tube passed down your breathing passages to reduce the size of damaged lung areas, which may help you breathe easier. Researchers want to see if this treatment, combined with standard lung disease medications, works better than medication alone.

Many people with severe emphysema have limited options to improve their breathing and quality of life, even with the best available medications. This trial is being done because early evidence suggests the heat treatment could be a safe and effective option that isn't yet widely available or proven, and doctors want to confirm it truly helps patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with severe emphysema affecting both upper lungs, confirmed by recent CT scan
you experience significant shortness of breath that limits your daily activities
you have already tried standard emphysema medications and lung rehabilitation without enough improvement
you have not smoked for at least 6 months before joining the study
you are able to walk more than 140 meters in 6 minutes

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very severe lung function loss (DLCO less than 20%)
you are significantly underweight or overweight (BMI below 18 or above 32)
you have pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in your lung vessels)
you have had a respiratory infection or COPD flare-up in the last 6 weeks
you have had previous lung surgery, including lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplant

What participation looks like

If you qualify and join this trial, you will be randomly assigned to either receive the heat treatment procedure (in addition to your regular lung medications) or to continue with standard medications alone. The procedure can be done up to twice and involves passing a thin tube down your airway while you're sedated. You'll have multiple visits for breathing tests, CT scans, walking tests, and check-ups to see how well the treatment is working and whether it's safe.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 8, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(12 sites)

Germany

Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin

Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Havelhöhe gGmbH Klinik für Anthroposophische Medizin, Berlin

Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Bonn

Pneumologische Universitätsklinik Ruhrlandklinik, Essen

Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Halle