For the treatment of severe emphysema

Northwestern Medicine is one of only a couple of pulmonary programs in Chicagoland to offer a new, minimally-invasive procedure for the treatment of severe COPD/Emphysema. As part of Northwestern Medicine's multidisciplinary approach to the management of COPD and emphysema, this unique procedure is currently offered at several Northwestern Medicine locations including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Central DuPage Hospital and Palos Hospital.

The Zephyr^® Endobronchial Valve System is the first FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure to help emphysema sufferers breathe easier without major surgery. The one-time procedure is done during a bronchoscopy that requires no cutting or incisions.

During the procedure, on average, four tiny valves are placed in the airways to block off the diseased parts of the lungs. The valves help reduce hyperinflation, preventing air from being trapped in the diseased area of the lung, and allowing healthier parts of the lung to take in more air. This results in patients being able to breathe easier.

Patients treated report being able to take full breaths immediately after the procedure, and within a week are back to doing everyday tasks with ease. In clinical studies, patients treated with Zephyr^® Valves have been shown to:

• Breathe easier
• Be more active and energetic
• Be less short of breath
• Enjoy a significantly improved quality of life, compared to untreated patients