Endobronchial valve treatment is a new, groundbreaking treatment option for severe emphysema patients where a one-way lung valve is placed in the airway of diseased parts of your lungs to redirect air away from the damaged parts toward the healthier parts, allowing you to breathe easier.
A decade of clinical studies have shown that patient selection is one of the most important predictive factors of a good response to endobronchial valve treatment. Patients are selected for this procedure through a screening process that involves a thorough patient evaluation, including comorbidities, and high-resolution CT analysis.1 Your doctor will determine from your test results if you are an appropriate candidate for the Spiration® Valve System. If you are eligible, you can expect the following on the day of the procedure:
The following video will walk you through the steps of the Spiration Valve procedure.
A New Approach to Treating Emphysema
If you are continuing to experience severe emphysema symptoms, despite medical management and pulmonary rehabilitation, it may be time to ask your doctor about the Spiration Valve System procedure.
Potential Benefits
Spiration Valves reduce the volume of diseased parts of the lung, and redirect air to healthier parts. This may help improve overall lung function and quality of life for people living with emphysema.
In a recent clinical study with the Spiration Valve System, many of the treated patients experienced the following benefits:
- Improved ability to breathe
- Reduction in air trapped in their lung
- Decreased shortness of breath
- Increased ability to perform daily activities
- Improved quality of life
Some patients reported immediate benefits from treatment, but it can sometimes take several months to achieve maximum effect.
Potential Risks
Valve therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that is well tolerated by most patients, but is not without risks. Please discuss the potential risks with your doctor. Potential complications which may be associated with bronchoscopy and/or the Spiration Valve System may include, but are not limited to, pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, hemoptysis, pneumonia, dyspnea, and in rare cases, death.2
Visit the Glossary of Terms for a definition of these clinical terms.
Potential complications which may be associated with bronchoscopy and/or the Spiration Valve System may include, but are not limited to, pneumothorax, worsening of COPD symptoms, pneumonia, dyspnea and in rare cases, death. Prior to using the Spiration Valve System, please review the full list of prescriptive information at https://svs.olympusamerica.com/prescriptive-information for additional information on indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Spiration Valve System be used to treat Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency?
Yes, the Spiration Valve has been studied and shown to benefit these patients. Spiration Valve placement resulted in improvements in lung function, quality of life, and shortness of breath.3
How many valves will the doctor place in me?
Every person’s lungs are different. On average, four Spiration Valves are implanted per procedure.
How long will the procedure take?
The bronchoscopy procedure used to place the Spiration Valve usually takes less than one hour but may take up to two hours.
How long will it stay implanted in me? Is the procedure reversible?
The Spiration Valve is intended to be permanent, however it’s designed to allow removal, if necessary.
Will I be able to feel the Spiration Valve in my lung?
No, you will not be able to feel the Spiration Valve after it’s been placed in your lung.
Can it be coughed out?
In Spiration Valve clinical trials, no patients have coughed out a Spiration Valve However, in a rare case, a valve may be coughed out.
Does the doctor ever need to go back to check on them?
Yes. As part of your regular follow-up visits with your doctor (pulmonologist), they will examine the effect of the valve therapy. Your doctor may want to inspect your valves using a bronchoscope.
When will I feel better after the procedure?
The amount of time that it takes to feel better after your procedure varies from patient to patient. You should discuss how you are feeling regularly with your doctor.
What is the expected length of recovery from the procedure? When can I go back to normal activities?
Although you may feel much better after the procedure, it’s very important to allow your lungs to adjust to the recent procedure so that you don’t suffer any setbacks. Follow your doctor’s instructions, including any plans to rest and limit activity after the procedure.
Will I be able to stop or decrease using my oxygen and other COPD medications?
Although you may feel better after receiving the Spiration Valves, always consult your doctor before you make any changes to using oxygen and COPD medications. Valve therapy is not a substitute for treatment of COPD by medication or oxygen therapy.
What happens when I go through security at the airport?
The Spiration Valve will not set off the metal detectors used by airport security.
1. Schuhmann M, Raffy P, Yi Y, et al. CT Predictors of Response to Endobronchial Valve Lung Reduction Treatment: Comparison with Chartis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2015; 191(7):767-774; doi:10.1164/rccm.201407-1205OC.
2. Criner GJ, Delage A, Voelker K, et al. Improving Lung Function in Severe Heterogenous Emphysema with the Spiration Valve System (EMPROVE). A Multicenter, Open-Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019;200(11):1354-62.
