DENVER -- For thousands of emphysema patients, the only option is medical treatment. National Jewish Health is one of many hospitals participating in an international study on a new procedure to help people with the disease.

"Emphysema is disease of the lung, mostly caused by smoking," said Dr. Ali Musani from National Jewish Health.

The new study is called Ease trial. It's a less invasive procedure that would require doctors to make tiny holes inside the airways, then place a small stent to open it up for airflow.

"The ultimate goal of this study is to primarily make these patients feel better, allow them to do their daily activities that they could do a few years ago," said Musani.

"I started smoking when I was 13 or 14. So I smoked for essentially 50 years or so," said Elliot Burns.

Burns, 64, has to carry an oxygen tank with him everywhere he goes. He was diagnosed with emphysema three years ago. Shortness of breath is one of Burns' major symptoms. He can barely walk across a room without losing his breath. The Ease trial is giving him some hope.

"This could be a major improvement to the condition of my life. It can let me go out and do the things I like to do," said Burns.

If you'd like more information on the Ease trial or want to participate in it, you can call National Jewish Health at 303-398-1748, or log onto nationaljewish.org.