Cornelius Power

Life Before Zephyr® Endobronchial Valves:

I’d describe myself as outgoing and chatty, with a competitive streak. I’ve always loved horses — they’re my lifelong passion. When you have horses, they become a part of your family.

I used to ride for a living. I was a show jumper, and I absolutely loved competing. It gave me such a thrill! I competed professionally until 1998 when I sustained an injury.

Then, I became a farmer and started teaching others to horse ride, which brought me so much joy. That is, until I became too unwell with emphysema to teach.

I was diagnosed with COPD in around 1990, after struggling with shortness of breath. It wasn’t too bad at first, but my condition kept getting worse over time.

It got to the point where I was breathless every day. This had a huge impact on my life. The worst thing was the tiredness. Being breathless is exhausting.

My tiredness started to affect other things too, like my memory. I’d be going to the shop, and I’d have to stop so many times to catch my breath that, by the time I got to the shop, I couldn’t remember what I’d gone out to buy!

Not being able to breathe properly makes everything tough. Even really basic things that you used to take from granted, like bending over to do up your shoe. You feel like you’re choking for air, and you just can’t do it.

The medication just wasn’t doing the job, so my doctor referred me to see Professor Karen Redmond. She started doing tests and said I was eligible for Zephyr Valve treatment. I said let’s go for it! I trusted her advice completely and I was so fed up with my situation.

Life After Zephyr Endobronchial Valves:

Professor Karen Redmond carried out my Zephyr Valve procedure at Mater hospital in Dublin, in May 2020. I was 61. It all went smoothly. I was put to sleep, so I knew nothing about it.

When I woke up from the anesthetic in the recovery room, and felt absolutely great — I could breathe again! The results were so good. Honestly, it was such a relief. Not being able to breathe had been so frustrating.

I recovered really quickly. I think my rapid recovery was because — other than the emphysema — I’ve always been active and healthy. I’m outside all day every day as a farmer, and the exercise does me the world of good.

With my Zephyr Valves, I’m able to walk across the yard without getting breathless. Soon, I’ll be able to get out again and enjoy a day at the races. I feel like I’m now able to see and enjoy all the good things in life!

Now lockdown is starting to lift, I have everything to look forward to. The best part is that I’m well enough to teach horse riding again. This means I can finally help my daughter with her training. She’s a great rider and she’s training for three day events. I’m so proud I get to help.

What would I say to anyone with severe emphysema who is eligible for the Zephyr Valves?

If the doctor says you’re eligible, go for it — 100%.

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary. 

Important Safety Information: The Pulmonx Zephyr®️ Endobronchial Valves are implantable bronchial valves indicated for the bronchoscopic treatment of adult patients with hyperinflation associated with severe emphysema in regions of the lung that have little to no collateral ventilation. Complications can include but are not limited to pneumothorax (tear in the lung), worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, death. The Zephyr Valve is contraindicated in patients who have not quit smoking. Please talk with your physician about other contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse events. Only a trained physician can decide whether a particular patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment with the Zephyr Valve.

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