Has anyone had the Pulmonx Zephyr Endobronchial Valve procedure done?
Anybody on site had the procedure done? If so where? Insurance carrier? Hospital? Current outcome? How long ago?
Hi Brucifer and thanks for your post. I recall seeing a post or two in which our members have made comments about these valves. Perhaps you will hear back in response to your inquiry. If you want know more about them, I would suggest you do a GOOGLE search using the words 'zephyr valve' - you will find various reports and information about the procedure. Are you a candidate for this form of treatment? Leon (site moderator)
How do you know if you're a candidate. I believe that this procedure is a hope for people with emphysema .
Hi again, Numbers, and thanks for providing the information you know about qualifying for this procedure.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)When I was checking out the Zephyr valve, they basically had me do a PFT (pulmonary function test) and a CT scan of my lungs. As bad as they are (they say I'm in end stage emphysema, my lungs were not hyperinflated enough. They want your lungs to be 175% hyperinflated and mine were only 125%. The doctor who does the procedure near me at John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek. There are also a few doctors who do it in San Francisco and it is becoming more available as more local doctors get trained to do the procedure. The doctor told me I was not in bad enough shape and most of the people he sees are in wheelchairs and supplemental oxygen 24/7.
Houston Texas Houston Methodist.It is outpatient surgery. Takes 30 - 60 min. I don't know if it is covered
By insurance. I found a number to call but I don't know if that's allowed.Houston Methodist, just scheduled for zephyr on 7/30, it’s an insurance thing , outpatient for procedure, then admitted to the hospital, minimum of 3 days, 2 hour producure
Hi Numbers, and thanks for chiming in here. Are you scheduled for this (endobronchial valve) procedure on 7/30? We appreciate anything you can share here with the community.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I am in the hospital now recovering from the procedure. So far, so good! It is covered by Medicare and other insurance companies
Helen, I am scheduled for the procedure on December 12th and wonder how you are doing after the procedure? Has your FEV1/FVC improved? Hope all is well and thanks for taking any time you can to respond. Regards, Bill
Hi BillMUSC, and thanks for your post. I'm hopeful you will hear back from Helen in time. Are you able to discuss what to expect following the procedure with your doctor? That also may provide you with the type of insight you're looking for.
Please, if you can, do check back and let us know how it all works out for you. We're all here to lend support!
Leon (site moderator)
