Bronchoscopic lung reduction valve PULMONOLOGY P
atients with severe breathing conditions now have an alternative to invasive lung surgery. According to Dr. Biplab Saha, a bronchoscop-
ic lung reduction valve can help in cases ranging from chronic lung ailments to COVID-19. “It’s very important that this hospital offers this technology,” Saha said. “I have known patients who have refused to go for treatment just because they don’t want to travel. So, it is really great that patients can get care within 15 to 30 minutes driv- ing distance rather than driving hours and hours.” In patients with COPD or emphysema, lung
portions often deteriorate to the point they can overinflate, which applies pressure on the healthy
lung portions, complicating breathing. In the past, surgery was required to remove the dam- aged sections, a procedure many patients were too sick to survive. The new valve replaces that procedure. Once implanted, it allows one-way outward flow of air from damaged lung segments, keeping them de- flated and allowing the healthy lung tissue to op- erate more efficiently. Saha has also pioneered an application for COVID-19 patients whose lungs were already damaged or were damaged by use of a ventilator. In these cases, the valve helps stabilize breathing functions until the damage can heal.
WINTER 2021 | INSIGHT | 27
Above: Spiration® Valve System for the endobronchial treatment of severe emphysema, a form of Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disorder (COPD). Photo courtesy of Ozarks Healthcare.
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