Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR)

Posted on by Avi Cohen
medical illustrations of Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve procedure
Using a standard bronchoscope, one-way bronchial valves are delivered to target airways using a flexible delivery catheter. Once implanted, the one-way valve prevents airflow into the diseased region, while allowing trapped air and fluids to escape. Reducing the volume of the diseased region may allow healthier regions to expand and function more efficiently.

Making Breathing Easier for Patients Living with COPD

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common preventable and treatable disease. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness and cough. COPD is caused by exposure to certain particles and gases such as cigarette smoke.

In June 2018, the valves were the first device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat severe COPD. The valves range in size from 4.0 millimeters to 8.5 millimeters.

Henry Ford Hospital is the first hospital in metro Detroit to offer the endobronchial valve procedure as a new treatment option that makes breathing easier for patients living with the lung disease COPD.

FAQs about The Endobronchial Valve Procedure

What are the benefits?

You will be able to breathe easier and you’ll feel more active and energetic. It will also improve your lung function.

Who is a candidate?

Candidates are those with severe COPD who consistently feel shortness of breath, despite the use of medication and/or oxygen. Your pulmonologist will discuss with you if the procedure is the best option.

What to expect the day of the procedure?

During the procedure, tiny one-way bronchial valves are implanted in the lungs to block off the diseased parts of the lungs and allow the healthier parts to expand and function more efficiently. This makes it easier for you to breathe and for your lungs to function better.

Typically, the procedure last about one hour and is performed under general anesthesia. You can expect to be hospitalized for three to five days.

Request an Appointment Online
Call for an Appointment: (313) 916 – 1063

Patient Pre-Procedure Instructions

Posted on by Avi Cohen
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Date and Time of Procedure:

You are scheduled to have a bronch/thora/pleurx on (give date).  Your ARRIVAL time is (x) time.  You do not need to get here any earlier than that time. Plan to be here 4-5 hours total from admission to discharge.

Nursing:

Please Check to make sure the patient doesn’t have another appointment elsewhere first (PFT Lab, Cat Scan, Chest X-Ray, blood draw etc) on the same day, or that conflicts with bronch. 

Driver:

You will receive sedation for the procedure and will be unable to drive until the following day. You must have a responsible adult driver over the age of 18 be present prior to the start of the procedure.  They will remain in the hospital through discharge.  They must be willing to sign for and accept discharge instructions.  If a driver is not present your procedure will be canceled. 

NPO:

No food or water after midnight. You may have small sips of water with any am cardiac medications.  Peg/J Tube feeds must be held at least six hours prior to procedure. Nursing will review patients chart for acceptable meds.  Thoracentesis and pleurx catheter patients do not need to be NPO as there is no risk for aspiration. 

Medications:

  1. Inhalers– Use all inhalers as usual. Bring any rescue inhalers that you would normally carry with you.
  2. Diabetics– Take half of your usual pm long acting insulin dose and do not administer any insulin the morning of. We can check blood sugars while you are here.  Bring a snack with you for post-procedure drive home.  Oral hypoglycemic should be held other than metformin which can be taken at the patients’ discretion.
  3. Anticoagulants– Check patient’s chart and verbally verify that the patient is not on any anticoagulation or that they have received the proper instructions for holding it, and are in compliance. See anticoagulation guidelines. 
  4. Home Oxygen– Please bring enough home O2 for the trip to and from the hospital. You may experience a temporary higher oxygen demand after the procedure. We can connect you to our oxygen once you have arrived, however we are unable to refill or supply you with home O2. 

Documents:

Please bring with you an updated list of your current medications.  Please bring your ID and insurance card. 

Directions:

Our Address is 2799 West Grand Blvd. Detroit MI. 48202.  Our direct number in case you need to contact us if you are running late is 313-916-1070.  If your arrival time is after 9, you may valet park in the West Entrance, otherwise use main entrance.  Valet is recommended and wheelchairs are available.  Use west entrance elevators to arrive to 4th floor Bronchoscopy Suite (I-4).  There is a blue sign on the wall with a telephone used to announce your arrival.