My Personal Experience with Endobronchial Valves

By whirledpeas

1 min read

I had the valves inserted a year ago in February.

I am a 72 year-old woman. I am at the very severe stage, and had been on oxygen 24/7 for the past almost three years.

It was a very simple procedure, lasting about 45 minutes under anesthesia, with basically no pain and no down time, except that I was in ICU Monday til Thursday as a precaution. My pulmonologist inserted three valves in the upper left lobe of my lung.

I saw an improvement in my breathing

I can say there is definitely an improvement in my breathing, and I now normally have to use oxygen only for sleeping, or activity like housework.

The improvement took about three months, and was very subtle, but I found myself able to go for longer and longer periods without oxygen after about a month or less.

One thing to know is that you can get better stamina and better lung function with a little gentle exercise. I started walking, went to a recumbent exercise bike, and have recently switched to a treadmill. Even just a few minutes a day will help.

Other things to know about the procedure

My pulmonologist had done two of these procedures before mine, and has since done about two dozen. He said he has only had one less-than-great experience and had to remove that one.

I am ready for more valves on the other side! But apparently four is the limit.

Also, be aware that they whistle. They don’t block out all the air, but as they remove it sometimes you can hear them whistling. So can other people, occasionally. But who cares?!

If you decide to have it done, report back. I have never spoken with anyone else who has the valves. And best wishes!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
Hi again, <inline-mention user-id="2415812" username="whirledpeas"/> - thanks so much for putting your story (which I know you have used to converse with others in our community), here in our "stories" forum. Now it stands by itself and is available for our members to read, understand and engage with your further as they feel the need. So glad you took the time to have it published here! Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
1. whirledpeas Member
 Thanks for helping me get that done. I hope it's helpful. I appreciate your wisdom and guidance here.
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="2415812" username="whirledpeas"/> - it's my pleasure, to be of help. It's really all to YOUR credit - we value your input here!! Enjoy the rest of the weekend! Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
duchess15 Member
Thanks for the information, I have been looking at these valves for about a year, I asked my pulmonary doctor about it but he said they probably wouldn't do it on me because I have diffused emphysema. He was willing to set up an appointment for me but it was during the lockdown so I thought I would wait. I appreciate your information and pray for your continued progress.
1. whirledpeas Member
 Apparently, the valves are not the answer for everyone. I don't know what diffused emphysema is, but it's good that your doc is willing to at least look at the possibility. What is so encouraging about it to me is that endobronchial valves appear to be the first advance beyond palliative medicine for very severe emphysema patients, which ends the connotation of "end of the road." It improves lung function, long term, and doesn't just provide temporary relief of symptoms. It is life-changing, and gives me hope that other treatments are on the way. Would love to hear how it goes. And thanks for your prayers.
1smokeycrab Member
Thank you so much for sharing your experience; my pulmonologist has mentioned this procedure to me but I am a chicken but now I think I will investigate it more. 
1. whirledpeas Member
 <inline-mention username="kbair55" user-id="2442233"/>yes, it was general anesthesia. No aftereffects, and no pain meds, because it was just a tube down my throat. Very easy for me.
2. whirledpeas Member
 kbair Yes, it was under general anesthesia. No cutting, so no pain meds. No recovery at all, really. Best wishes, and let me know how it goes.
mas1 Member
I am so happy the procedure worked so well for you! I had the procedure done nearly a year and a half ago. I was 66, stage 4, and had 2 valves placed in lower right lung. My quality of life was immediately better just in taking pressure off so I could wear a bra again. Textbook case, no problems. Before the first three months I contracted a fungal infection in my upper lung (from a house plant, I think). Trying to clear that up and having to quit my regular gym because of Covid shutdown has really hurt the progress I'd made, so I am still on O2 24/7. I still highly recommend having it done if you meet the requirements. 
1. kbair55 Member
 <inline-mention username="Leon Lebowitz, BA, RRT" user-id="2445532"/>Plz exercise even a little regularly. It helps so much!
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="kbair55" user-id="2442233"/> Hi again, kbair55, and thanks for your suggestion. As it turns out, I try to exercise 3-4 times a week. It's not heavy-duty, but I do keep after stretching and walking. I find it does help (as you said), a great deal. What about you? Are you finding time and incentive to exercise? All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
melaniem Community Admin
<inline-mention username="whirledpeas" user-id="2415812"/> , thanks so much for sharing this story! We have very recently had people ask about this procedure- now we will have your story to refer them to! ~Melanie (team member)
1. whirledpeas Member
 <inline-mention username="melaniem" user-id="2453213"/> It has been a blessin for me, not having to use o2 all the time. Interesting experience. No pain.
kbair55 Member
I have been considering the valves too. Would appreciate input from anyone having had it done. TY! 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="kbair55" user-id="2442233"/> Hi kbair - thanks for your post. In addition to <inline-mention username="whirledpeas" user-id="2415812"/> article, above, in which she shares her own experience with endobronchial valves, others in the community have also spoken about this procedure. Plus, we have some articles published right here on <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a> which focus on the valve procedure. For your convenience, here is a link to many of those articles: https://copd.net/search?s=endobronchial%20valve. I do hope you find the information is helpful for you in a practical way. Have you been discussing this procedure with your physician? Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. whirledpeas Member
 <inline-mention username="kbair55" user-id="2442233"/> Hi! Well, from a little over a year post-procedure, I highly recommend it. Still mostly only using O2 at night to sleep. The process was easy. I was in the hospital a few days for observation, probably because it was a new procedure to my doctor, and I would have it done again without question. Be aware that they do whistle, however! Apparently they let a little air out round the edge, and sometimes you can definitely hear it. But it's not an issue at all.
DianeL Member
I will be asking my doctor about this. Thank you for your story. It has given me hope.
1. whirledpeas Member
 <inline-mention username="DianeL" user-id="4173407"/> Thanks for letting me know. Keep me posted.
Petra R Member
I'm a 59 year old female and I had the procedure done last April blocking my left upper lobe. My 4 days in the ICU were uneventful, however it took me a month to recuperate back to where I was before. A month later my PFT did show substantial improvement. CT scan 3 month after procedure showed leakage preventing my lobe from completely deflating. In August I had a do-over. My Doc removed and replaced my valves still blocking the same lobe. I felt great afterwards, like nothing was done at all. I bounced right back this time around. One month later we did a CT scan and my lobe was completely deflated allowing the lower healthier lobe to expand. My use of oxygen hasn't changed. I use 2 liters when I sleep and I need 5 liters to walk. Improvements are gradual over time. It is now December and I'm using a manual inclined treadmill to build up stamina. I'm doing a 40 minute mile. LOL. I can once again use my diagram to breathe. I can't remember the last time I was able to move my diagram prior to getting the valves. Also, about 3 weeks ago I vacuumed the house. It's been 2 1/2 years since I've managed to do that last. I've been relying on a robot vacuum to do that. I still get tired and I still get SOB with activity, however I seem to be able to deal with it better now. It's hard to explain. The valves didn't "fix me" but they sure made it easier to cope. What's good about the valves is you can have a do-over or an un-do. You can try it, change your mind if it's not for you. You don't have the commitment you have to have with surgery. I'm glad I got the valves, no regrets. 
1. Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Petra R" user-id="6688788"/> Hey, no shame in a 40 minute mile -- it's better than no movement at all! So glad you are doing well and have gained back some independence. Your experience is an important one, thank you for sharing! -Melissa, <a href='http://copd.net' target='_blank'>copd.net</a> team
LobeHopes Member
Hi everyone. I nearly cried reading all the true stories in this group of amazing miracles. First Id like to explain my current situation, and I want to gradually give updates on healthy options for my current condition, and choose where and whom I receive the best care to treat my current condition. I'm really emotional 😞 and need your support to get on my path to live through this and become a miracle just like all of you!!!
1. Lori.Foster Community Admin
 Welcome to the community, <inline-mention username="LobeHopes" user-id="8882457"/>! We would love to hear what you have found that helps, and you will find tons of support here, for sure. This is a very welcoming and active community. Have you been diagnosed for long? Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
CommunityMembereba9a3 Member
I'm curious about the endobronchial valves ,my pulmonologist told me in my advanced stage COPD emphysema particularly end stage or severe, that the valves really wouldn't do me much good. Any thoughts anyone? 
1. SamanthaSarube Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembereba9a3" user-id="8773519"/>, everyone is different but many in our community have found zephyr valves helpful. You can read some of those experiences here: <a href='https://copd.net/clinical/endobronchial-valve-system' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/clinical/endobronchial-valve-system</a> and <a href='https://copd.net/forums/zephyr-valve-treatment-discussion' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/forums/zephyr-valve-treatment-discussion</a> All the best, Sam S. (COPD team).
2. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembereba9a3" user-id="8773519"/> Hi. Does your pulmonologist specialize in endobronchial valves? If you are interested in pursuing this further, it may be a good idea to get a second opinion from a doctor who does specialize in this procedure. For tips on what to do from here, I am attaching an article from the American Lung Association. This article explains the procedure and what you can do to see if you qualify -- and where to go from here: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/ebv-therapy#:~:text=You%20must%20be%20at%20least,despite%20receiving%20optimal%20medical%20treatment. What do you think? Wishing you all the best. John. community moderator.
CommunityMembereba9a3 Member
Hi John, thank you for your response. I will check out the link and see what I can find out. Thank you 
1. John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembereba9a3" user-id="8773519"/> You are welcome. Glad to be of help. Please do let us know what you learn. Thanks. John. community moderator.

Community Poll

Do you have an exercise routine?