|
|
||
|
|
The National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) WHAT IS NETT? The National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT), supported by
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Health Care Financing
Administration (HCFA), and the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR),
is nationwide multi-center clinical trial designed to determine the role, safety,
and effectiveness of volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in the treatment of
emphysema. Emphysema is a chronic lung condition that is a major cause of death
and disability in the U.S. If LVRS is found to be beneficial, then a secondary objective will be to develop criteria for identifying patients who are likely to benefit from the procedure. WHY IS NETT NECESSARY? LVRS has been proposed as a new treatment that
can improve quality of life for people with severe emphysema, but many
questions about the procedure are unanswered -- for example:
These are questions that doctors and patients need to have answered before they can make informed, rational decisions about the surgery. The NHLBI of the National Institutes of Health
has undertaken NETT with the expectation that it will provide definitive answers
to these important questions. HCFA, which oversees the Medicare program and is
co-sponsoring NETT, will use the data from the study to determine whether
Medicare should provide reimbursement for LVRS. For more in depth information
about
NETT AT USCD MEDICAL CENTER University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is among 17 centers nationwide selected to participate in NETT. NETT is a randomized, controlled clinical trial, which compares optimal medical therapy, which includes pulmonary rehabilitation, to optimal medical therapy plus lung volume reduction surgery. Testing, evaluations, medical treatment, and follow-up visits are conducted at the Emphysema Treatment Group at UCSD Medical Center. Rehabilitation for patients enrolled in NETT is available at UCSD or at one of our affiliated NETT approved Rehab satellite sites:
The surgery, using a median sternotomy approach, is performed at UCSD. Patients--who meet a specific set of
criteria--are being enrolled in NETT to determine who will benefit most from
LVRS. All patients receive optimal medical treatment including pulmonary
rehabilitation, medications, self-management information and exercise training
and are then randomized to receive either continuing medical treatment or
continuing medical treatment and LVRS. Follow-up visits are required at 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. The first
NETT patient was enrolled at USCD in September 1997. Enrollment will continue
through 2002. MORE INFORMATION FOR PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS To refer a patient or to obtain more information on the National Emphysema Treatment Trial or lung volume reduction surgery, contact UCSD NETT Program at the University of California, San Diego, Catherine Ramirez, BS, RCP Coordinator, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, California, 92103. Or call toll free at 1-888-322-9064. If you are a patient, and interested in obtaining more information, or wish to enroll in NETT please use the form HERE Medical information on potential NETT patients is requested from the referring physician and includes spirometry, chest x-ray, EKG and medical history. Candidates are then required to complete extensive additional testing.
OTHER NETT CENTERS
Last Updated 10/20/00 |
|
What are the benefits and the risks compared with good medical therapy alone?