Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a nonsurgical procedure to treat advanced emphysema by placing tiny valves in the airways. The procedure takes about an hour and requires no cutting or incisions. During BLVR, an interventional pulmonologist will place an average of four valves in the airways to help patients breathe easier and experience a better quality of life.
Endobronchial valves are the first FDA-approved, minimally invasive devices available in the United States to treat patients with severe emphysema. These groundbreaking valves allow one lobe of the lung to deflate and release the trapped air. This lets healthier parts of the lung expand and take in more air.
Patients treated with endobronchial valves have reported immediate relief, including:
Inova uses two types of endobronchial valves: the Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve and the Spiration® Valve System. Our interventional pulmonology team will choose the best valve for each patient, based on their evaluation test results.
Using specialized tests, our interventional pulmonology team determines in advance whether a patient is a good candidate for BLVR treatment with endobronchial valves. We conduct a diagnostic workup that may include pulmonary function testing, a CT scan, cardiac function tests and other tests to ensure the patient is a good candidate for treatment.
If you’d like to discuss this treatment with your doctor, here is the eligibility criteria for BLVR evaluation:
If you or your doctor have any questions about BLVR, please call the Inova Lung Services patient navigator at either 571-472-1016 or 571-472-1015.
