SOMC Treats First Patient with New Minimally Invasive Valve Program

Pulmonx recently recognized SOMC Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates and the Interventional Pulmonary Group for operating on its first patient with their new Zephyr Valve program. These valves are a less-invasive option to treat those with severe COPD and emphysema.

Pulmonx describes the Zephyr Valves as a “minimally invasive treatment option that is not another medication and does not require cutting or incisions. Tiny valves are placed into a targeted section of the diseased lung where air has become trapped. The trapped air causes shortness of breath. The one-way valve allows the trapped air to escape, resulting in patients being able to breathe easier and experience less shortness of breath.”

“This process takes a team approach and begins with selection of appropriate patients by the physician and then follows with coordination of required pre-procedure testing and insurance verification which all occurs at the office level and then procedure completion and patient recovery with the assistance of the Interventional pulmonary group and our critical care team. ” said Michelle Lyons, SOMC Services Line Manager of Pulmonary Critical Care, Pulmonary Diagnostics, Lung Navigation and Sleep Medicine.

Congratulations to the team for the implementation of the new program to help treat their patients with the most cunning edge programs to give them the highest quality of life possible.

Pictured: Dr. Elie Saab, Connie Wesley and Chip Arnett
Photo courtesy of Pulmonx