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A variety of helpful tools and educational resources for those living with COPD.

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For more information about COPD and severe emphysema, download our information pack by completing the form.

The package includes the following brochures:

The Zephyr® Valve Brochure:

Discover a treatment option for severe emphysema

The Doctors' Discussion Guide:

Information brochure for your next visit to the doctor
Zephyr Valve Treatment Centres | UK

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Information about COPD

In this collection of COPD articles you will find information, tips, and support aimed towards living with and managing your COPD symptoms.

We understand that COPD can have a major impact on your daily life, which is why we are committed to helping you understand the disease, find best ways to manage it, and seek a better quality of life.

Learning About Zephyr® Valves

What are Zephyr Valves?

The Zephyr Valve Treatment is a minimally invasive treatment for people with severe COPD/emphysema. The Zephyr Valves are an implant designed to fit in the airways of the lungs. The valves are placed in selected airways during a bronchoscopy procedure (no incisions or cutting required) and are an alternative to the more invasive traditional lung volume reduction surgery.

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How do Zephyr Valves work?

If you have severe COPD/emphysema you may struggle to catch your breath while doing everyday tasks. This is because the damaged parts of your lungs have lost their ability to release trapped air and have become overinflated. Zephyr Valves are tiny, one-way valves that allow the trapped air to be exhaled from the lungs and prevent more air from becoming trapped there. This helps patients breathe better and do more.

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Zephyr Valves Evaluation

Who may be a candidate?

Generally, candidates who should be evaluated for Zephyr Valve Treatment are patients who:

  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD or emphysema
  • Have to stop to catch their breath often, even with taking their medication as directed
  • Have reduced lung function (FEV1≤50% predicted)

These are general criteria but only a Zephyr Valve trained physician can determine if you are a candidate. There is an evaluation process to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment. Find a treating center near you.

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How do I schedule an appointment to be evaluated?

Find a treating center near you, and then call and schedule an appointment.

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What tests do I need to see if I am eligible?

A simple set of tests are required to determine if you might be a good candidate for the treatment. These include pulmonary function testing (PFTs), a CT scan, ABG (a blood test), and a 6-minute walk test. Additional tests may include an echocardiogram and a perfusion scan.

Do I need to quite smoking?

Yes, you will need to quit smoking at least 4 months prior to receiving the Zephyr Valve Treatment and must refrain from smoking after the procedure.

Is there an age limit?

The procedure is for adult patients (18 years and older). A Zephyr Valve trained physician will determine if you are a candidate but there is no strict upper age limit.

Who shouldn’t have the Zephyr Valve Treatment?

Patients should not have this treatment if they do not meet certain criteria. You will need to go through a number of tests to see if you qualify. Some of the most common reasons why patients do not qualify are:

  • Unable to have a bronchoscopic procedure.
  • Have an active lung infection.
  • Have an allergy to nitinol, nickel, titanium, or silicone.
  • Have not stopped smoking.
  • Have an air pocket (bullae) that is greater than 1/3 of the size of the lung.
  • Have passages or channels in their lungs that bypass the normal airways (collateral ventilation).
  • Primary symptoms are a result of another non-COPD/emphysema health condition.

Availability

Is this treatment available on the NHS?

Endobronchial valves, such as Zephyr Valves, are recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and available on the NHS. 

Do you have to be a private patient?

You don’t need to be a private patient. Zephyr Valve treatment is available on the NHS. Please speak to your doctor. 

How much does the treatment cost, if paid privately?

Private clinics and hospitals set their own costs for treatment, which can depend on a few variables. These treatment centres may accept insurance and self-pay patients. You will need to contact the individual treatment centres to discover their range of costs. Zephyr Valve treatment is also available on the NHS.

Getting Zephy Valves

What does the Zephyr Valve procedure entail?

Zephyr Valves are placed during a procedure that does not require any cutting or incisions.

 

Step 1 – The doctor will give the patient medicine to make them sleepy.

 

Step 2 – A small tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, will be inserted into your lungs through your nose or mouth.

 

Step 3 – During the procedure your doctor will place on average 4 Zephyr Valves in the airways. The number of valves placed will depend on the individual anatomy of the patient’s airways and physician discretion.

 

Step 4 – You will stay in the hospital for a minimum of 3 nights. Some patients who experience a complication may be required to stay longer.

 

Step 5 – After the procedure, you will continue to use the medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your condition.

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How long does the procedure take?

The procedure is usually complete in about an hour.

What is the recovery time?

Following Zephyr Valve treatment, patients are required to stay in the hospital for 3 nights to allow for careful observation. In most cases, patients are able to go home after 3 nights if there are no complications. Some patients may end up staying longer than 3 nights if they develop a pneumothorax (tear in the lung), a known side effect of this treatment, or another complication. Most patients are able resume normal activities within a couple of weeks.

Life with Zephyr Valves

What benefits have people experienced?

In 4 randomized, controlled clinical trials, Zephyr Valves have been proven to:¹,⁷⁻⁹

  • Improve Lung Function
  • Improve Exercise Capacity
  • Improve Quality of Life

How many people have received the procedure?

Over 40,000 people globally have received this treatment.

Will I still have to take my regular medications after the procedure?

Yes, you will likely continue to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor for your condition.

Other FAQs

What is Emphysema?

Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. In severe emphysema, parts of the lungs are damaged, which traps air in the lungs (called hyperinflation of the lungs). This causes the diseased parts of the lung to get bigger and put pressure on the healthy parts of the lungs and diaphragm.

When this happens, it makes it difficult to breath properly and take deep breaths. This constant shortness of breath can make it difficult to do everyday activities and to enjoy many aspects of life without stopping for air, taking a break, or getting help.

Unfortunately, emphysema cannot be cured, but the Zephyr Valve helps patients breathe easier, enjoy more, and have a better quality of life¹ while living with severe emphysema.

What is collateral ventilation?

Collateral ventilation happens when the fissure structure between lobes is not solid and air can pass through from one lobe to another. It’s as if the fissures are walls and there is a window that shouldn’t be there. The window allows air to pass through from one lobe to another adjacent lobe.

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Will I be able to use less, or come off oxygen?

In our study for FDA approval of the Zephyr Valve, of the patients who were on supplemental oxygen, more patients treated with the Zephyr Valves used less oxygen compared to untreated patients (15.7% vs. 6.9%, respectively) at one year. At the same time more untreated patients (22.4%) compared to the Zephyr Valve treated patients (11.3%) reported increased oxygen use.

1. Criner, G et al. Am J Resp Crit Care Med. 2018 Nov 1;198(9):1151‒1164.

Do you need more information? Learn more in the patient information brochure.

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