From the Research
Zephyr valves are small, one-way valve devices implanted in the airways of patients with severe emphysema to improve breathing, as demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial published in 2020 1. These minimally invasive implants work by blocking air from entering diseased portions of the lung while allowing trapped air and fluids to escape. By redirecting air to healthier lung tissue, Zephyr valves reduce hyperinflation, which is the over-expansion of damaged lung areas. The procedure involves a bronchoscopy where a doctor places several valves in strategic airway locations without requiring incisions. Patients typically receive 3-5 valves per targeted lung lobe. The treatment is intended for patients with severe emphysema who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical management with bronchodilators and pulmonary rehabilitation. Benefits include improved lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life, as shown in a study published in 2024 2. The valves can be removed if necessary, making this a reversible treatment option. Potential complications include pneumothorax (collapsed lung), valve migration, and infection, so patients require careful monitoring after the procedure. Not all emphysema patients are suitable candidates, and proper evaluation including pulmonary function tests and CT scans is essential to determine eligibility, as discussed in a review published in 2021 3. Key considerations for the use of Zephyr valves include:
- Patient selection: suitable for patients with severe emphysema and little to no collateral ventilation in the target lobe 1
- Procedure: bronchoscopy with placement of 3-5 valves per targeted lung lobe
- Benefits: improved lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life
- Complications: pneumothorax, valve migration, and infection
- Evaluation: pulmonary function tests and CT scans to determine eligibility. It is also worth noting that the combined implantation of Zephyr and Spiration valves has been shown to result in significant clinical and functional improvements with an acceptable risk profile, as demonstrated in a study published in 2024 2.