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Zephyr By Pulmonx
Zephyr By Pulmonx
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Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Learning About Zephyr® Valves

The Zephyr Valve Treatment is a minimally invasive treatment for people with severe COPD/emphysema. The Zephyr Valves are an implant designed to fit in the airways of the lungs. The valves are placed in selected airways during a bronchoscopy procedure (no incisions or cutting required) and are an alternative to the more invasive traditional lung volume reduction surgery.

Understanding If Zephyr Valves Are for You Video

If you have severe COPD/emphysema you may struggle to catch your breath while doing everyday tasks. This is because the damaged parts of your lungs have lost their ability to release trapped air and have become overinflated. Zephyr Valves are tiny, one-way valves that allow the trapped air to be exhaled from the lungs and prevent more air from becoming trapped there. This helps patients breathe better and do more.1


Zephyr Valve Evaluation

Generally, candidates who should be evaluated for Zephyr Valve Treatment are patients who:

  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of COPD or emphysema
  • Have to stop to catch their breath often, even with taking their medication as directed
  • Have reduced lung function (FEV1≤50% predicted)

These are general criteria but only a Zephyr Valve trained physician can determine if you are a candidate. There is an evaluation process to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment. Find a treating center near you.

Zephyr Valve Right for You

Find a treating center near you, and then call and schedule an appointment.

Find a Treating Center

A simple set of tests are required to determine if you might be a good candidate for the treatment. These include pulmonary function testing (PFTs), a CT scan, ABG (a blood test), and a 6-minute walk test. Additional tests may include an echocardiogram and a perfusion scan.

Zephyr Valve Eligibility Tset
Yes, you will need to quit smoking at least 4 months prior to receiving the Zephyr Valve Treatment and must refrain from smoking after the procedure.
The procedure is for adult patients (18 years and older). A Zephyr Valve trained physician will determine if you are a candidate but there is no strict upper age limit.

Patients should not have this treatment if they do not meet certain criteria. You will need to go through a number of tests to see if you qualify. Some of the most common reasons why patients do not qualify are:

  • Unable to have a bronchoscopic procedure.
  • Have an active lung infection.
  • Have an allergy to nitinol, nickel, titanium, or silicone.
  • Have not stopped smoking.
  • Have an air pocket (bullae) that is greater than 1/3 of the size of the lung.
  • Have passages or channels in their lungs that bypass the normal airways (collateral ventilation).
  • Primary symptoms are a result of another non-COPD/emphysema health condition.

Insurance Information

Most patients who qualify for the Zephyr Valve procedure are able to secure insurance coverage for their treatment.
Once you have been evaluated and found to be a candidate for the procedure, Pulmonx has a Patient Reimbursement Support program that can provide assistance navigating the insurance process for patients found to be a candidate for the procedure.

Getting Zephyr Valves

Zephyr Valves are placed during a procedure that does not require any cutting or incisions.

Step 1 – The doctor will give the patient medicine to make them sleepy.
Step 2 – A small tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, will be inserted into your lungs through your nose or mouth.
Step 3 – During the procedure your doctor will place on average 4 Zephyr Valves in the airways. The number of valves placed will depend on the individual anatomy of the patient’s airways and physician discretion.
Step 4 – You will stay in the hospital for a minimum of 3 nights. Some patients who experience a complication may be required to stay longer.
Step 5 – After the procedure, you will continue to use the medicines that your doctor has prescribed for your condition.

Before During After Zephyr Valve Treatment

The procedure is usually complete in about an hour.

Before During After Zephyr Valve Treatment

Following Zephyr Valve treatment, patients are required to stay in the hospital for 3 nights to allow for careful observation. In most cases, patients are able to go home after 3 nights if there are no complications. Some patients may end up staying longer than 3 nights if they develop a pneumothorax (tear in the lung), a known side effect of this treatment, or another complication. Most patients are able resume normal activities within a couple of weeks.

Before During After Zephyr Valve Treatment

Life with Zephyr Valves

In 4 randomized, controlled clinical trials, Zephyr Valves have been proven to:1,7-9

  • Improve Lung Function
  • Improve Exercise Capacity
  • Improve Quality of Life1
Approximately 40,000 people globally have received this treatment.
Yes, you will likely continue to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor for your condition.

Talking to Your Doctor

We understand that conversations with your doctor about treatment options for your severe COPD/Emphysema can be challenging, so we’re here to help. We can share information about the Zephyr Valve treatment with your current doctor so they can be prepared to have a conversation with you about whether you may qualify for treatment. Fill out a short form here to have us send Zephyr Valve information to your doctor.

Talk to My Doctor

Other FAQs

Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. In severe emphysema, parts of the lungs are damaged, which traps air in the lungs (called hyperinflation of the lungs). This causes the diseased parts of the lung to get bigger and put pressure on the healthy parts of the lungs and diaphragm.

When this happens, it makes it difficult to breath properly and take deep breaths. This constant shortness of breath can make it difficult to do everyday activities and to enjoy many aspects of life without stopping for air, taking a break, or getting help.

Unfortunately, emphysema cannot be cured, but the Zephyr Valve helps patients breathe easier, enjoy more, and have a better quality of life1 while living with severe emphysema.

Collateral ventilation happens when the fissure structure between lobes is not solid and air can pass through from one lobe to another. It’s as if the fissures are walls and there is a window that shouldn’t be there. The window allows air to pass through from one lobe to another adjacent lobe.

In our study for FDA approval of the Zephyr Valve, of the patients who were on supplemental oxygen, more patients treated with the Zephyr Valves used less oxygen compared to untreated patients (15.7% vs. 6.9%, respectively) at one year. At the same time, more untreated patients reported increased oxygen use. Since FDA approval, many patients treated with the Zephyr Valves have reported a reduction in oxygen dependency, but you would need to speak with your doctor about your own condition. You can read stories from patients who have been treated with the Zephyr Valve.

Still Have Questions?

If you have questions, talk with our Patient Advocates.
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*Center requires physician referral, no self-referrals accepted
The list of physicians generated by the locator on this page is based on the proximity to the ZIP code or state entered in the search box.
This list was created to support people who want to learn more about the Zephyr Valve by helping connect them to physicians who have demonstrated certain criteria and interest in providing care with assessment for and/or treatment with Zephyr Valves. See full list of Treating Physician and Assessment Center Criteria.
Pulmonx does not verify or monitor the credentials, licenses, or qualifications of any physician or treating center listed on the locator and is not responsible for any medical advice given by the physicians included on this locator. Pulmonx disclaims liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on information on this locator.
Inclusion of a physician or treating center on the locator does not mean that Pulmonx recommends or endorses the physician or treating center. Similarly, the exclusion of a physician on the locator does not mean that physician is not qualified or experienced with Zephyr Valves.
US-EN-1122-v3
Zephyr By Pulmonx

 Important Safety Information: The Pulmonx Zephyr® Endobronchial Valves are implantable bronchial valves indicated for the bronchoscopic treatment of adult patients with hyperinflation associated with severe emphysema in regions of the lung that have little to no collateral ventilation. Complications can include but are not limited to pneumothorax (tear in the lung), worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, death. The Zephyr Valve is contraindicated in patients who have not quit smoking. Please talk with your physician about other contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse events. Only a trained physician can decide whether a particular patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment with the Zephyr Valve.

Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

© 2021-Present Pulmonx Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. All trademarks herein are the property of Pulmonx Corporation and its affiliates. US-EN-405-v5

Pulmonx Makers of Zephyr Valve
Pulmonx Makers of Zephyr Valve
Zephyr By Pulmonx
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How It Works

The Zephyr® Valve is not another medication or surgery. The valves are placed by bronchoscopy which requires no incisions or cutting, so the benefits are achieved without many of the risks of traditional surgical options. The minimally invasive procedure allows the healthier parts of your lungs to expand, lifts pressure off the diaphragm, and helps you breathe easier.1

Gmail Instructions

Gmail Spam Gmail Spam If you do not see an email from “Val at Zephyr Valve” in your inbox within 15 minutes of signing up, go to your “Spam” folder within Gmail. (You may have to click "More" to see the Spam folder.) Select the email from "Val at Zephyr Valve."   There will be a gray box at the top that says “Why is this message in spam?” Click the “Report Not Spam” button. This will move the email to your inbox.Gmail Not Spam   Go back to your inbox and open the email. Click on the icon next to “Val at Zephyr Valve”, you’ll see a person icon with a “+”. Click that, and you can add Val to your Contacts list. If you don’t receive a second email from us in a few days, please check your Spam folder again. Add to Contacts

Treating Physician and Assessment Center Criteria

Treating Physician Criteria
Criteria for a physician to be added to the locator: Complete Pulmonx Zephyr Valve training, which includes online, in-person and hands-on training on the Zephyr Valve procedure and related diagnostic tools, and how each fits into the patient care pathway; completion of three (3) Zephyr Valve cases; and completion of 45-Day Outcomes Review of three (3) cases with Pulmonx Medical Affairs.
Annual criteria for a physician to remain on the locator after initial inclusion: Complete a full workup for six (6) Zephyr Valve patients, up to and including the Chartis® System pulmonary assessment.
Assessment Center Criteria
Criteria of an assessment center to be added to the locator:
  • Must have access to body plethysmography.
  • Must have access to high-resolution CT.
The physicians do not pay or receive a fee for inclusion on this list. Some physicians on this list may provide consulting services to the company.
Call Us Now (800) 852-4465
Info For Physicians
About Pulmonx