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Zephyr Endobronchial Valves for Emphysema

Posted by carolannz @carolannz, Feb 19, 2019

The FDA approved this procedure last June 2018. It inserts valves to useless areas of the lungs to allow the good parts to work more efficiently. The valves are inserted with an endoscope so there is no surgery involved. As you know there has not been many options for us folks with COPD so this has me very interested. Unfortunately Medicare has not yet approved it for payment. The reports of success have been so good. I wonder how long it might take to get the insurance companies on board.

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jules2052 | @jules2052 | Jan 17 9:42am
In reply to @888anonymous "@kndaustin71 I am one that went through all the testing and was told afterwards that my..." + (show)
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@kndaustin71 I am one that went through all the testing and was told afterwards that my lungs were in such bad condition that the valve would not help me. Very disappointed because when I first went to the pulmonary surgeon he was very sure I was a prime candidate from looking at my CT scans and all the other tests. Just trying to survive now, still trying different outlets, so far nothing has caused improvement in my breathing.

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@888anonymous I am soo sorry to hear about your experience. I’m sure it was devastating to say the least! I’m not very positive about what Dr Bussy will have to say next week. Just hoping for the best. I know how you feel just trying to stay alive. I feel that I am deteriorating each day. If you wanna chat….I’m ready to listen. I think we are in the same boat

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888anonymous | @888anonymous | Jan 17 12:15pm
In reply to @jules2052 "@888anonymous I am soo sorry to hear about your experience. I’m sure it was devastating to..." + (show)
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@888anonymous I am soo sorry to hear about your experience. I’m sure it was devastating to say the least! I’m not very positive about what Dr Bussy will have to say next week. Just hoping for the best. I know how you feel just trying to stay alive. I feel that I am deteriorating each day. If you wanna chat….I’m ready to listen. I think we are in the same boat

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@jules2052 Thank you for offering. My regular pulmonologist has been very supportive and helpful. Whenever he or myself hears of something new for COPD we discuss it and weigh the pros and cons. So far I'm ok with everything but I know my future is in Gods hands and he is the one I lean on.

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kdalda75 | @kndaustin71 | Jan 20 6:05pm
In reply to @jules2052 "@kndaustin71 yes please share everything. I emailed my pulmonologist about the valves and she replied that..." + (show)
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@kndaustin71 yes please share everything. I emailed my pulmonologist about the valves and she replied that I had “very severe emphysema and the Zephyr Valves work better for focal areas of emphysema”. (I have centrilobular emphysema). She also replied “I would need multiple valves placed over multiple settings to make any impact with risks including infection and lung collapse “. She recommended Advent Health, here in Fl, but not a specific physician. I researched the physicians with Advent and found Dr Do, in Brandon, Fl., who was an Intern at the time they were implementing the valves, who has done the insertions extensively. I called his office and made an appointment March 19th. My Pulmonologist faxed all of my history to Dr Do’s office yesterday. The NP said if they need anything last minute, before my appointment, they can do at their facility.
Oh, and besides Advent, she recommended University of Florida in Gainesville, University of South Florida in Tampa, Cleveland Clinic in Weston and University of Miami. Advent was her first recommendation and suggested I get the evaluation done there.
So, my interpretation of her email, made me feel like I was already 6 feet underground. But that was probably because I didn’t listen to her and stop smoking until Jan 1 of this year. Yes I know…stupid for not quitting then, but it is what it is.
Anyway, yes please share any and all information you have time for. I would appreciate it! Ty

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@jules2052 somehow our communication got messed up. I certainly did want to respond to you and any questions......What did Dr Bussy at MAYO have to say. That would have been my suggestions rather than Advent in Florida.

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jules2052 | @jules2052 | Jan 24 10:30am
In reply to @kndaustin71 "@jules2052 somehow our communication got messed up. I certainly did want to respond to you and..." + (show)
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@jules2052 somehow our communication got messed up. I certainly did want to respond to you and any questions......What did Dr Bussy at MAYO have to say. That would have been my suggestions rather than Advent in Florida.

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@kndaustin71 yes KD I don’t know what happened? I forwarded what CT scans I had from last October and May of 2025 I think. He said the emphysema is located on the upper lobes of both lungs with some smaller blockage in the lower lobes of the right lung. He wants me to do another Complete PFT and in the meantime he needed to map the lungs and get his team together to see which surgery would help me most. Either the LVRS with the valves or Complete LVRS which they would remove the top part of the lungs. This is done robotically. (From what I have read, probably the robotic LVRS would be most effective for my case). Plus pneumothorax is expected in 25% of patients, 13% infections and 3% mortality. We are going to get together next month to discuss the possibilities.
Honestly, I was very impressed with him. He was very to the point and simplified the discussion. At the time I really didn’t know what questions to ask but after reading more about it I’ve come up with several. At least he didn’t write me off like my original pulmonologist has.
I’d love to hear your story when you have time. Sorry I didn’t get back sooner because I actually had bronchitis which I never get. Antibiotics and steroids really helped.
Hope you’re doing well!

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