Zephyr Valve for lung volume reduction.

[Sharp5Flat13]

My pulmonologist is submitting a request to perform this treatment option on me in the fall. Does anyone have experience or know anyone who has had this procedure? I hope all of you are breathing easy.

Thanks,

James.

breathestrongamerica.org/ze...

[sassy59]

No experience of zephyr valves James but just want to wish you well. Xxx👍

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you, Sassy.

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hope things go well for you James, have a good day and please let us know how you get on. Take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Damon1864]

Thanks, Damon.

[Will57]

I was tested for the valve's but it didn't work for me as it doesn't for everyone but I was then accepted for the Lung Volume Reduction Operation

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Will57]

Thanks, Will. You were “tested”? What did that consist of? So have you had the lung volume reduction operation?

[Will57 in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

You would undergo a bronchoscope ( generally through the moth ) where they will insert some valve's and test to see if they are right for you. As said after mine it was decided that they would not work for me so I was lucky enough to be accepted for the LVR Operation.My test was carried out at Addenbrookes Hospital and the operation at the Royal Papworth

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Will57]

Cheers, mate. And how is your breathing now?

[Will57 in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

The op was 3 1/2 y ears ago but sadly I've been admitted to hospital 3 times already this year and have now been given oxygen for home use as and when needed. Haver never regretted the operation.

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Will57]

One more question please, Will. How were feeling just before the surgery and immediately after (two questions, lol)?

[Will57 in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

I needed the op and I was very breathless and also had in the previous summer a pulmonary embolism so as you can see I was very breathless. However I miscalculated the recovery period which took 6 month's

[Alice70 in reply to Will57]

I was tested to see if suitable for LVR ,said I wouldn't be suitable ,and the way I understood it is my emphysema wasn't in one place, I wonder what is the difference between LVRand zepher valves, I'm just wondering if I would be suitable for zepher valve, and wondering if these are two different types of valves

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Alice70]

The LVR is I believe (from wiki)...”Bullectomy is a surgical procedure in which dilated air-spaces or bullae in lung parenchyma are removed. Common causes of dilated air-spaces include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema”. The valves allow air out of damage lobes but not in, causing them to shrink in size, and become diaabled, and therefore not wasting inspirational energy moving tissue that doesn’t exchange blood gases.

[Alice70 in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

Tha ks for this sharp

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Alice70]

You're more than welcome, Alice.James

[Izb1]

I am sure a few people on here have had this procedure James, do a search and I am sure it will bring up replies that you can look through. I think our Skischool put up a few funny replies saying one of his went missing. Its a big decision, wish you the best of luck x

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to Izb1]

Thanks, Izb1. I will do that.

[CDPO16]

In the UK it is normal practice to have a chartis assessment to see if someone is a suitable candidate for valves. I had this assessment in 2017 but was told that because the tissue between the lobes in both of my lungs had broken down valves would not be suitable for me. A chartis assessment is where air is blown into the lungs with a special instrument inserted via a bronchoscopy.

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to CDPO16]

Well, that’s interesting. They’ve scheduled a CT scan for me for next week. Here’s a link for the chartis assessment. pulmonx.com/chartis-tablet-...

My pulmonologist never mentioned this...thanks for the enlightenment!. I wonder if the High Desert Medical Group will schedule this test before they approve of the Zephyr valve installation.

[CDPO16 in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

I had CT scans several times but they alone didn't give enough information to tell if valves were appropriate. I think you may benefit from asking more questions when you see your medical team.

[jackdup]

Just wondered if you have had further assessments and if or when you will have the procedure? I’ll hope you’ll let us know how it goes if you do have the procedure down.

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to jackdup]

I won’t know until September, jackdup. It has to be approved by the medical group, which I’m sure it will. I will post sn update. I did have a CT scan. Without any return phone call, I reckon there’s not much change. I do have a dilated aortic root when and if it gets over 5cm, they will want to place a reinforcement sheath around it. Hope you and everyone here are having better health.

[jackdup in reply to Sharp5Flat13]

I hope and pray all goes well and that you will be able to benefit from the valves.Good luck and will appreciate your updates.