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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 16 million adults in the U.S., making it a leading cause of death with emphysema being the most common manifestation of the disease. For many COPD patients, despite taking medication, they still experience symptoms such as trapped air in their lungs’ damaged areas. This trapped air causes the damaged sections of the lungs to expand, putting pressure on the healthy parts of the lungs and diaphragm, resulting in severe shortness of breath. Performing normal daily activities like walking or eating can become challenging due to these symptoms.
Mercy Health has introduced a new treatment for Valley residents suffering from emphysema – Zephyr Endobronchial Valves. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing valves into the damaged areas of the patient’s lung. The Zephyr Endobronchial Valves are now being offered by Mercy Health and are the first FDA-approved procedure that can help COPD patients improve their quality of life without major surgery risks associated with major surgeries like lung transplants. Dr. Niraj Niraula, a pulmonologist at Mercy Health, stated that this procedure has significant potential to impact the lives of patients who experience symptoms despite taking their prescribed medications.
The procedure itself takes under an hour and does not require any surgical incisions or cutting. The innovative treatment option has shown promising results in increasing the quality of life for COPD patients with emphysema. To learn more about Mercy Health’s pulmonology services and specialized team, visit their website at
