Endobronchial Valve Program

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, also known as endobronchial valve therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to improve symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with advanced emphysema. The procedure was approved by the FDA in 2018 and is currently supported by most health insurances.

What is Endobronchial valve therapy?

Endobronchial valve therapy involves placing small one-way valves in the in the air passages of the most destroyed lobe of the lung to result in collapse or deflation of that region and to redirect air to the healthier lobes resulting in improved diaghram function, improved lung function and reduced effort to breathe.

The valves are inserted into the airways using a bronchoscope, a flexible tube with a camera on the end while under general anesthesia.

To Learn More About Endobronchial Valve Therapy,
Click the Play Button on the Video.

Who is eligible?

Valve therapy is considered in certain patients with emphysema, who’s symptoms remain following other treatments, such as inhalers and pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients are evaluated based on lung function test and CT chest.

Have emphysema and severe hyperinflation, as determined by CT chest and lung function test
Do not have major heart or other serious medical conditions
Quit smoking at least 4 months ago
Completed pulmonary rehabilitation and able to ambulate around 400 feet
Have not had major lung surgeries like lung volume reduction or lung transplant
Do not have lung cancer

What to Expect?

Your procedure is done under general anesthesia.
A bronchoscope, which is a thin, long, flexible tube with a camera on the end, is introduced through the mouth and down to the affected airways in the lungs.
3-5 valves are inserted in pre-selected diseased lobe of the lungs.
The entire procedure takes about 30-60 minutes.
Expect to stay in the hospital for 3-5 days following your procedure.
Once home, most patients will regain most of their strength and energy after 2-3 weeks, and with the treatment goal of experiencing less shortness of breath, able to exercise for longer period of time and improved quality of life.

What are the risks?

This is minimally invasive and safe procedure, but some patients might have complications such as:

pneumothorax (collapsed lung) This is common but most often improves with a temporary chest tube inserted.
Infection like pneumonia or lung abscess , uncommonly related to valves.
COPD flareup occasionally following the procedure
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), usually minor and limited.
rarely death

This is a reversible procedure, and if a complication develops not responding to treatment, the valves can be removed.

Why choose UPMC for Endobronchial valve therapy?

ECRC director, Dr. Frank Sciurba is an international expert in the development of the endobronchial valves & has multiple publications and has lectured internationally on the technology. He has over 15 years of experience in placing these valves and has been involved in most major trials investigating endobronchial valve therapy.
We have a comprehensive program to treat patients with COPD utilizing available therapies. A thorough personalized assessment is performed to select the right treatments for the right patient. Patients who are not candidates for valve procedures are also assessed for surgical lung volume reduction and lung transplantation, which are not options at many institutions with isolated valve programs.
We have a robust COPD research program including biologics and other innovative device treatments. Interested patients who are optimally treated with available therapy may qualify to participate in these clinical trials.

Discuss with your pulmonologist, or contact us at 412-648-6433 to get evaluated to see if you are eligible for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction/endobronchial valve therapy.