North Florida Regional Medical Center

06/01/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/01/2021 14:48

New hope for patients with COPD has arrived at NFRMC

Patients with severe emphysema, also known as COPD, now have a new treatment available at North Florida Regional Medical Center (NFRMC) through the expertise of Interventional Pulmonologist, Dr. Michael Jantz. This new procedure, Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction, also known as endobronchial valve lung volume reduction, leads to better lung function and a better quality of life for patients. Dr. Jantz, of North Florida Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, along with NFRMC's pulmonary care team, performed the first Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction case in the hospital's history on March 2021. This was also the second case performed across all of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services in 20 states and the United Kingdom.

'COPD is a debilitating disease that impacts millions of lives every year, and this procedure can have a profound positive outcome for our patients suffering from the effects of severe emphysema,' said Dr. Jantz. 'Knowing the significant improvements our patients experience through the use of the latest technology and techniques encourages us to continue to raise the bar to provide the highest level of quality care. We are proud to bring this revolutionary procedure to North Florida Regional to help our patients get back to the things they love most.'

Emphysema is a form of chronic airway obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where parts of the lungs are damaged, trapping air in the lungs and making it difficult for the patient to breathe. This damage causes the diseased portions of the lung to enlarge and increase pressure on the healthy parts of the lungs and diaphragm. This constant shortness of breath affects the ability to do daily activities and worsens the patient's quality of life. During the Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction procedure, tiny devices are implanted in the airways of the lungs to act as one-way valves, blocking off areas of the diseased lung and allowing for healthier areas to expand and function more efficiently.

Dr. Jantz joined the NFRMC Medical Staff in February 2021, bringing an advanced skill set in the area of lung care to patients at NFRMC. Dr. Jantz's first bronchoscopic lung reduction patient at NFRMC was a 74-year old female with severe emphysema. The patient's procedure was successful, and marks the promising beginning of an innovative and cutting-edge lung care program at NFRMC. In addition to this new therapy for patients with emphysema, Dr. Jantz will be beginning a clinical trial for a new bronchoscopic therapy for patients with the chronic bronchitis form of COPD in the near future.

Dr. Jantz performs many services in interventional pulmonology and lung cancer at North Florida Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine. To make an appointment with Dr. Jantz, please call his practice at 352-331-5026 or visit www.NFPulmonary.com.