Uptake Medical has treated the first patient using its InterVapor system, designed for endoscopic lung volume reduction in patients with severe emphysema.

The InterVapor system is a non-surgical procedure that triggers the body’s natural healing process and reduces hyperinflated parts of the lungs using heated water vapour.

The VAPOR trial reported that the InterVapor system has demonstrated considerable improvements in breathing function, exercise capacity and quality of life for patients with emphysema.

The company intends to commercialise the CE-marked InterVapor system in Europe and Australia over the coming months.