J. Brandl

Life Before Zephyr® Endobronchial Valves:

I am a little coward when it comes to doctors and needles which is why I rarely went to see a doctor. In 2004, it became unavoidable. Even though my appointment was for different reasons, I was diagnosed with stage 3 COPD.

COPD was not unfamiliar to me because my father had already suffered from this lung disease. But I had never imagined that I myself would be affected – even though I had been a smoker for many years and was professionally exposed to asbestos/glass wool. I only noticed that I experienced unusual difficulties when carrying heavy loads and walking up stairs, resulting now and then in shortness of breath. I blamed this on excessive stress.

I was initially meant to undergo lung volume reduction surgery, but the doctors decided against this and proposed to insert endobronchial valves into my lungs. I did not think about this for long and agreed. Shortly afterwards, I received four valves. After one year, one of them was removed and four others added.

Life After Zephyr Endobronchial Valves:

Of course, I had to admit to something: Having the valves in my lungs did not mean that I could run a marathon straight away. My body needed some time to get used to the circumstances. I am not running marathons but since having the valves I am breathing better and staying active.

I do as much as I can and do not put any pressure on myself. One thing is clear, despite my disease, I do not want to give up on anything. My life today includes for instance respiratory exercises once a week and meeting friends for coffee every Wednesday. I am very active in the Leverkusen COPD self-help group. I have been helping to run this group since 2017. We organized 6 COPD events in Leverkusen in 2020.

My greatest wish since the insertion of the valves was to climb the steps of Cologne cathedral. I trained for this regularly until I succeeded: up the spires of Cologne cathedral and down again.  I thus want to warmly recommend my life’s philosophy to other sufferers: “Have zest for life – despite and defy shortness of breath!”

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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