Anyone had Zephyr Valve Procedure at Mayo Clinic?

Posted by djallan @djallan, Jul 20, 2019

Is anyone willing to share their experience with Zephyr Valves at either Jacksonville or Scottsdale. I am stage 4 COPD and am very interested in this new procedure. Which Mayo has more experience? How many have they done at each location? What has been the improvement to quality of life? Is it worth doing?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Health Support Group.

bridey | @bridey | Jan 4, 2021

In reply to @fracturedd "Oh, I’m sorry I just saw this. Of course this is just my personal opinion- my..." + (show)

I'm Stage 3 Copd, FEV1 37%. Wud I be a candidate for Zephyr at Jacksonville? Also, how many procedures have been done?

Erika | @erikas | Jan 7, 2021

In reply to @bridey "I'm Stage 3 Copd, FEV1 37%. Wud I be a candidate for Zephyr at Jacksonville? Also,..." + (show)

@bridey Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support. You are in stage 3 COPD and you are wondering if you'd be a candidate for Zephyr at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

Below I have linked the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville website.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/florida
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

You may want to follow the prompts on the site so you can have your particular questions answered.

If you haven't already done so you may want to scroll through the past posts in this discussion to find information and to connect with members like @fracturedd @carolannz that have discussed this topic in the past.

May I ask what kinds of treatment you have tried so far?

bridey | @bridey | Jan 7, 2021

I'm on oxygen in PM, 3 diff nebuluzer

bridey | @bridey | Jan 7, 2021

3 different nebulizer treatments, can walk 10 mins on treadmill, 20 min/2x/day using the Vest Airway Clearance System. Had spinal fusion surgery 15 months ago & doing well with spine. I start Pulmonary rehab in 2 weeks. 72 years old and history of asthma, upper respiratory issues, had tonsils out once, adenoids out twice. My Mom died of COPD 14 years ago. TY

avatar1948 | @avatar1948 | Aug 26, 2023

Thank you fractured for the info. I'm thinking about getting the valves but would like to hear from others who have had the procedure.

ktf | @ktf | Aug 27, 2023

In reply to @avatar1948 "Thank you fractured for the info. I'm thinking about getting the valves but would like to..." + (show)

Avatar 1948, I myself have not had the Valves but would def consider it down the road if a candidate. Wanted to share this info about Dr. Gerard Criner @ Temple Lung Center in Philadelphia.
“ The Temple Lung Center is a world leader in the testing and use of endobronchial valves for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) in patients with severe emphysema. We have the most experience of any other hospital in the country.”
https://www.templehealth.org/services/treatments/bronchoscopic-lung-volume-reduction/doctors
I had met with Dr Criner for a consult for the RheOx clinical trial for chronic bronchitis, was accepted & had both lungs done there.

2cents | @2cents | Sep 1, 2023

It would be interesting to know if a history of lung cancer would rule a person out for valve surgery. There are more and more people treated for early Stage 1 cancers considered curative.

kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Jan 6 9:17am

too bad I had not joined this group earlier. Valves were only approved in 2018. Just had valves placed in November 2023 and could not be more pleased. Mine were done at Duke University. Duke got in on the ground floor of valve research so that they have been working with them for well over 5 years and have extremely experienced Interventional pulmonologist. so very glad I did it. Has made a world of difference with my stage IV copd