FLO2W Procedure for Hypertension
The ROX® CO2UPLER is an implant for use in patients with Stage III and IV, severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The COUPLER is also being studied for changes in blood pressure in patients with Stage 2, drug-resistant, Hypertension. The goal of the FLO2W PROCEDURE is to increase cardiac output and improve oxygen delivery to tissue and muscles in patients suffering from hypoxia and hypoxemia. Potential benefits may include improved breathing, reduced symptoms of chronic bronchitis, an increase in exercise tolerance, and an improved quality of life for COPD patients. Patients with Stage 2 Hypertension may benefit with a reduction in the their high blood pressure.
Not all patients are good candidates for the FLO2W PROCEDURE. The FLO2W PROCEDURE may require your heart to adapt somewhat, like when you begin an exercise program, and your heart needs to be able to healthy enough for this change. There is also a change in blood flow in your leg. For some patients the increased blood flow in the vein could result in a venous stenosis; a narrowing in the vein that is easily treated with balloon dilation and stent.
Thus, careful screening of your general and cardiovascular health should be performed before the ROX FLO2W PROCEDURE. Additionally, after the procedure, depending upon how you feel, regular monitoring, such as a quarterly visit to your doctor is recommended. Your respiratory, cardiac and vascular health will be monitored for any side effects, like leg edema, venous stenosis, cardiac over-load or pulmonary hypertension. It is also recommended that you wear compression stockings after the FLO2W PROCEDURE, to minimize leg edema. Lastly, the procedure is not intended to replace your long-term oxygen therapy, but rather to help you to further benefit from increased oxygenation. Please ask your doctor about the potential benefits and also side effects of the FLO2W PROCEDURE for you.
Not all patients are good candidates for the FLO2W PROCEDURE. The FLO2W PROCEDURE may require your heart to adapt somewhat, like when you begin an exercise program, and your heart needs to be able to healthy enough for this change. There is also a change in blood flow in your leg. For some patients the increased blood flow in the vein could result in a venous stenosis; a narrowing in the vein that is easily treated with balloon dilation and stent.
Thus, careful screening of your general and cardiovascular health should be performed before the ROX FLO2W PROCEDURE. Additionally, after the procedure, depending upon how you feel, regular monitoring, such as a quarterly visit to your doctor is recommended. Your respiratory, cardiac and vascular health will be monitored for any side effects, like leg edema, venous stenosis, cardiac over-load or pulmonary hypertension. It is also recommended that you wear compression stockings after the FLO2W PROCEDURE, to minimize leg edema. Lastly, the procedure is not intended to replace your long-term oxygen therapy, but rather to help you to further benefit from increased oxygenation. Please ask your doctor about the potential benefits and also side effects of the FLO2W PROCEDURE for you.