Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve Procedure
What is the Zephyr® Valve:
The first FDA-approved, minimally-invasive device available in the U.S. for treating patients with severe emphysema.
Who is the Zephyr® Valve for?
Severe emphysema patients who consistently feel short of breath despite using COPD medications and/or oxygen
What are the Benefits of Zephyr® Valves?
Patients report being able to take full breaths immediately after the procedure and within a few days are back to doing everyday tasks with ease. In clinical studies patients treated with Zephyr® Valves have been shown to:
- Breathe easier
- Be more active and energetic
- Be less short of breath
- Enjoy a significantly improved quality of life compared to untreated patients.
How does the Procedure Work?
The one-time procedure is done during a bronchoscopy that requires no cutting or incisions. During the procedure, on average 4 tiny valves are placed in the airways to block off the diseased parts of the lungs. The valves reduce hyperinflation, preventing air from being trapped in the diseased area of the lung and allowing healthier parts of the lung to take in more air. This results in patients being able to breathe easier. Patients treated have reported immediate relief.
What can Patients Expect?
A typical Zephyr®valve procedure looks like this:
- The doctor will give you medicine to make you sleepy.
- A small tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, will be inserted into your lungs through your nose or mouth.
- During the procedure on average the doctor will place 4 Zephyr Valves in the airways.
- You will stay in the hospital for approximately 3 nights for observation.
- After the procedure, you will continue to use the medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your condition.