Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve Procedure

Prisma Health Lung Center is one of the first providers in South Carolina to offer the  innovative Zephyr^® Endobronchial Valve Procedure for the treatment of COPD and emphysema.

What is the Zephyr Valve?

The first FDA-approved, minimally-invasive device available in the U.S. for treating patients with severe emphysema.

Who is the Zephyr Valve for?

Severe emphysema patients who consistently feel short of breath despite using COPD medications and/or oxygen. 

What are the benefits of Zephyr Valves?

Patients report being able to take full breaths immediately after the procedure and within a few days are back to doing everyday tasks with ease. In clinical studies patients treated with Zephyr^® Valves have been shown to¹:

• Breathe easier.
• Be more active and energetic.
• Be less short of breath.
• Enjoy a significantly improved quality of life compared to untreated patients.

How does the procedure work?

The one-time procedure is done during a bronchoscopy that requires no cutting or incisions. During the procedure, on average 4 tiny valves are placed in the airways to block off the diseased parts of the lungs. The valves reduce hyperinflation, preventing air from being trapped in the diseased area of the lung and allowing healthier parts of the lung to take in more air. This results in patients being able to breathe easier. Patients treated have reported immediate relief.