Endobronchial valve placement is an FDA-approved procedure to increase overall lung function and reduce breathlessness in patients with emphysema and chronic pulmonary disease (COPD).

Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City was the first hospital in the Kansas City area to perform the endobronchial valve procedure. This procedure is minimally invasive, requiring no incisions, and can be completed in under an hour.

Endobronchial valves help patient with air trapped in their lungs, called hyperinflation, which can cause severe shortness of breath. The dime-sized valves are placed in the damaged portions of the lung to close off diseased lobes. The valves reduce the amount of air trapped in the lungs allowing healthier regions to expand and function better.

Schedule a consultation with Saint Luke’s Pulmonary Specialists to see if an endobronchial valve is right for you.