If you have severe emphysema and are still struggling with breathlessness despite medication, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called Endobronchial Valve (EBV) placement. This advanced treatment helps reduce lung hyperinflation, allowing you to breathe more comfortably and improve your quality of life.

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What is EBV Placement?

EBV placement is an outpatient procedure performed through a bronchoscopy (no incisions). Tiny, one-way valves are carefully placed in the most damaged lobe of your lung. These valves allow trapped air to escape during exhalation but close to prevent new air from entering. This reduces the over-inflated volume of the diseased lobe, allowing the healthier parts of your lung and diaphragm to work more efficiently.

Who May Benefit from EBV Placement?

This procedure is for carefully selected patients with severe emphysema. To determine candidacy, we perform a specialized evaluation that includes:

  • High-resolution CT review and breathing tests
  • Assessment of collateral ventilation, which is the absence of airflow between different lung segments. This is a key factor for the valve’s success.

What to Expect

The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Many patients stay overnight for observation. You’ll go home with a short-term activity plan and scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible results.

Benefits and Risks

Studies have shown that eligible patients who undergo EBV placement can experience significant improvements in lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The risks include a small chance of a pneumothorax (air leak), cough, or infection. We will thoroughly review the expected benefits and risks with you to help you decide if this procedure is the right choice for you.