For those with severe COPD or emphysema, we offer a minimally invasive treatment proven to help patients breathe easier, be more active and have an overall improved quality of life.
The tiny Zephyr Valves are smaller than a fingertip and are placed in selected airways during a bronchoscopy procedure (no incisions or cutting required). Referrals are welcome.
For referrals, call the CHH Center for Lung Health at 304-399-2881.
The Zephyr Valve Treatment is a minimally invasive treatment for people with severe COPD/emphysema. The Zephyr Valves are an implant designed to fit in the airways of the lungs. The valves are placed in selected airways during a bronchoscopy procedure (no incisions or cutting required) and are an alternative to the more invasive traditional lung volume reduction surgery.
Generally, candidates who should be evaluated for Zephyr Valve treatment are patients who:
After the evaluation process, our team will determine if you are a candidate for the procedure.
In clinical studies patients treated with Zephyr Valves have been shown to1:
If you have severe COPD/emphysema you may struggle to catch your breath while doing everyday tasks. This is because the damaged parts of your lungs have lost their ability to release trapped air and have become overinflated. Zephyr Valves are tiny, one-way valves that allow the trapped air to be exhaled from the lungs and prevent more air from becoming trapped there. This helps patients breathe better and do more.1
Zephyr Valves are placed during a procedure that does not require any cutting or incisions. A typical Zephyr Valve procedure looks like this:
Step 1 – The doctor will give the patient medicine to make them sleepy.
Step 2 – A small tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, will be inserted into your lungs through your nose or mouth.
Step 3 – During the procedure your doctor will place on average 4 Zephyr Valves in the airways. The number of valves placed will depend on the individual anatomy of the patient’s airways and physician discretion.
Step 4 – You will stay in the hospital for a minimum of 3 nights. Some patients who experience a complication may be required to stay longer.
Step 5 – After the procedure, you will continue to use the medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your condition.
For more information about the technology, go to https://uspatients.pulmonx.com/
1 Criner G et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018; 198 (9): 1151–1164.
Clinical Interests:
Locations:
1305 Elm Street
Huntington, WV 25701
Phone: 304.399.2881