Endoscopic implantation of medical devices for the treatment of lung diseases, including airway stents, unidirectional valves and coils, is readily used to treat central airway disease and emphysema. However, granulation and fibrotic tissue formation impairs treatment effectiveness. To date little is known about the interaction between implanted devices, often made from metals, such as nickel, titanium or nitinol, and cells in the airways.
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