A Breakthrough Treatment for Severe COPD/Emphysema
What Is the ZephyrValve?
The Zephyr Valve procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for adults with severe COPD/emphysema. The Zephyr Valves are small one-way valves placed in selected airways during a bronchoscopy procedure in the hospital (no incisions or cutting required) to help patients suffering from breathlessness breathe easier1.
Who Are Zephyr Valves For?
Generally, candidates who should be evaluated for Zephyr Valve treatment are patients who:
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of severe COPD or emphysema
- Have to stop to catch their breath often, even with taking their medication as directed
- Have reduced lung function (FEV1 ≤50% predicted)
- Have stopped smoking for 4 months or longer
These are general criteria but only a Zephyr Valve trained physician can determine if you are a candidate. There is a series of medical testing that is done to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Zephyr Valves?
Zephyr Valves are the most tested lung valves in global clinical studies. In these clinical studies, patients treated with Zephyr Valves have been shown to1:
- Breathe easier
- Be more active
- Enjoy an improved quality of life
Potential complications of the Zephyr Valve treatment can include but are not limited to a pneumothorax (tear in the lung), worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, death.1
How Does the Procedure Work?
If you have severe COPD/emphysema you may struggle to catch your breath and feel breathless 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
What Can Patients Expect?
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 you medicine to help you fall asleep.
- 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 must stay in the hospital for a minimum of 3 nights to monitor progress and watch for any possible complications.
- Step 5 – After the procedure, you will continue to use the medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your condition.
If you are interested in learning more about BVLR or to further explore if you are a candidate for this new procedure, please call our team at 910-235-5935. Alternatively, you can discuss the procedure with your regular pulmonology or primary care provider and they can refer you if you decide you are interested. Finally, you can find more information about the BLVR treatment for COPD at https://uspatients.pulmonx.com
Patient Educational Materials
Doctor Discussion Guide
This guide will help you start a conversation with your doctor about the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve.
COPD Medications No Longer Enough?
Treatment with the Zephyr Valve may help you get back to living life on your terms without the risks of major surgery.
Patient Check In Form
COPD/Emphysema Patient Information Form. Are your current medications adequately controlling your COPD/emphysema symptoms?
Zephyr Patient Pamphlet
Discover a minimally invasive treatment that is not another medication or surgery. See if the Zephyr Valve is right for you.
1 Criner G et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018; 198 (9): 1151–1164.
Important Safety Information: The Pulmonx Zephyr® Endobronchial Valves are implantable bronchial valves indicated for the bronchoscopic treatment of adult patients with hyperinflation associated with severe emphysema in regions of the lung that have little to no collateral ventilation. Complications can include but are not limited to pneumothorax (tear in the lung), worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, death. The Zephyr Valve is contraindicated in patients who have not quit smoking. Please talk with your physician about other contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse events. Only a trained physician can decide whether a particular patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment with the Zephyr Valve.
