Anyone had Zephyr Valve Procedure at Mayo Clinic?

Am I a candidate For Zephyr when my COPD is causing Pulmonary
Hypertension, Severe exercise intolerance, arrhythmia, and Heart Failure/remodeling?

Hello @newota10 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I can see you have several complications from your COPD leading you to wonder if you would be a candidate for Zephyr.

Because this community is made up of patients and members, we aren't able to give medical advice, but are here for one another to share personal experiences that can support you in your healthcare journey. There have been a couple of members such as @fracturedd and @carolannz who have mentioned Zephyr valves earlier in this discussion so would like to connect you to them as they may be able to provide some initial insight.

Have you explored this question with your PCP yet?

@newota10 - I'd also like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect. Zephyr Valves have helped a lot of people who have shortness of breath and other complications from COPD including Pulmonary Hypertension. (https://www.ccjm.org/content/87/5/278). It is a procedure and not surgery like the lung volume reduction surgery which is used to improve breathing in some people with severe emphysema, a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During surgery, small wedges of damaged lung tissue are removed to allow the remaining tissue to function better. After surgery, people often have less shortness of breath, have a better quality of life, and are better able to exercise.

Zephyr Valve procedure is when small valves are placed and used to close off damaged parts of your lungs. This is used for extreme cases of COPD which includes emphysema and dyspnea among a few. It sounds as if this procedure would be a definite conversation to have with your pulmonologist, as suggested by Amanda.

Some people can not have this done because of infections or allergies to the valves.

Are you finding that your breathing has gotten worse or that your inhalers and other medicines aren't working as well?

Yes my SOB is worse. So is my exercise intolerance. I am exploring Alternatives to medications. Not on any PAH medications yet. Who are Scottsdale pulmonologists to consult?

@newota10 - It's pretty scary when your breathing isn't sufficient. Why are you exploring alternative medications when you haven't finished exploring what is true and tried within acceptable medical practices?

I think that Scottsdale pulmonologists are at Mayo Clinic in AZ.

Medical devices can be better than meds. I’m also a healthcare provider. I need to look at all angles.

@newota10 I would suggest medication-exercise-life style approach before the valves. I had a couple valves for lung issue. I would recommend using them as a last resort.

I do appreciate your comments. Could you please share the difficulties and problems or any other comments you might have on the Zepher procedure? Thanks so much, Rose

@fracturedd- Would you mind going into more detail about why you recommend the valves as last resort? Are you having problems? Have they helped at all?

Oh, I’m sorry I just saw this. Of course this is just my personal opinion- my valves were placed to help a pneumothorax to heal- then they were removed. (ILD from juvenile scleroderma) I experienced so much pain/inflammation “true inflammatory response” after the valves were placed. My pulmonologist and Rheumatologist really couldn’t figure out why my body reacted the way it did. The valves did their job- my lung did heal and the pain resolved after a error and trial of many different medications/therapies. So in the end all worked out. Also my use for the valves was different then most. I would just try other options first.