Zephyr Valve

The Zephyr® valve is a cutting-edge treatment for people with severe emphysema. At Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. in Joliet and New Lenox, Illinois, the board-certified pulmonary physicians use a minimally invasive procedure to implant the Zephyr into carefully chosen airways. Most people notice the difference immediately, as they regain lung function and better breathing, which lets them return to their daily activities. Call the nearest office or connect online to request an appointment and learn if you’re a good candidate for the Zephyr valve today.

What is the Zephyr valve?

The Zephyr valve is an advanced treatment for patients with severe emphysema, which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here’s how the valves work:

Your lungs contain millions of air sacs that inflate to take in oxygen and then transfer the oxygen into your blood. Emphysema damages the air sacs, causing a group of them to rupture and create a large area where oxygen accumulates but doesn’t pass into your blood.

The diseased area over-inflates with air, making it hard for you to take full, deep breaths. As the area takes in more oxygen and expands, it pushes against other healthy air sacs, further reducing your ability to breathe.

After your provider implants Zephyr valves into the airways serving the damaged area, the valves open to let the trapped air escape and close to prevent more oxygen from entering the area. This relieves the pressure and allows you to inhale and breathe again.

Who qualifies for a Zephyr valve?

Getting an evaluation from your provider at Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. is the only way to know for sure if you’re a good candidate for a Zephyr valve.

However, you may be a good candidate if you have significantly reduced lung function, your emphysema medications aren’t helping, and severe shortness of breath stops you from doing simple daily activities. 

Many people qualify for the Zephyr valve because they need to frequently pause or rest to catch their breath in the middle of simple daily tasks, like walking up stairs.

You may not be able to get the Zephyr valve if you have an active lung infection, the air pocket is too large, or you haven’t stopped smoking.

What happens during Zephyr valve implantation?

Your Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. provider implants the valve during a bronchoscopy. They guide a bronchoscope (a narrow, flexible tube with a camera) down your throat and into your lungs.

After reaching the airways leading into the damaged area, they use the scope to implant the valve. A metal mesh around the valve expands, holding it in place in the airway and allowing the valve to function.

Most patients notice the difference immediately. They have less shortness of breath and can return to activities they couldn’t tolerate before getting the Zephyr valve implanted.

Call Midwest Respiratory, Ltd. or use the online booking feature today to schedule an evaluation and learn if you’re a good candidate for the Zephyr valve.