New Procedure Offers Hope for COPD Sufferers in the Panhandle

• By Meaghan Collier
• January 7, 2025
• Health

As the new year approaches, penning those New Year’s resolutions becomes a focus for many people in the region. Among the most popular resolutions is quitting smoking; millions of people worldwide try to kick the habit to become healthier each year, and success rates vary based on the support structures in place for smokers. For those who have successfully quit smoking but may have significant limitations from the residual lung damage associated with emphysema, a new medical procedure called Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) is now available in Amarillo. BLVR helps improve the quality of life in people who have severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or emphysema. This minimally invasive procedure can offer new hope for patients by providing an alternative to more invasive surgeries.

“The new FDA-approved treatment option for BLVR known as the Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve System is designed to improve lung function and reduce shortness of breath, and we have successfully used this in multiple patients in the region over the last year,” Texas Tech Physicians pulmonologist Mark Sigler, M.D., said. “The majority of patients with advanced COPD and emphysema are treated with inhalers, medications and pulmonary rehabilitation. However, many patients with COPD still have significant air trapped in their lungs despite being on ideal medical therapy. As a result, many patients experience persistent breathlessness. This can contribute to a decreased quality of life, and Zephyr valves can improve this in appropriately selected patients.”

People with COPD or emphysema may struggle to catch their breath while doing everyday tasks. This is because the damaged parts of the 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 the person to breathe better and do more.

In the minimally invasive procedure, Sigler uses a bronchoscope to place tiny valves in the airways in the lungs. 

The patient is under anesthesia for about an hour and stays in the hospital for about three days after the procedure for observation. Most patients can resume normal activities within a couple of weeks.

“Recently, one of my patients could take full breaths immediately after the procedure,” Sigler said. “He said he was ecstatic and felt like he would be able to go home and play with his grandkids. As a physician, it brings me so much joy to be able to help him achieve that goal. Before the procedure, he was so short of breath he couldn’t spend time with his grandkids and said life was hardly worth living.”

Sigler performs this procedure at BSA Health System in Amarillo. Jon Bush, M.D., BSA’s chief medical officer, said this highlights a proud partnership in patient care for the region.

“BSA Health System is proud to partner with Texas Tech Physicians to provide the innovative BLVR procedure to our community,” Bush said. “This partnership reflects our commitment to providing patients with exceptional, state-of-the-art care that significantly enhances their health and quality of life. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in our community, offering hope and innovative solutions.”

Sigler is the only provider in the region who performs this procedure. He does caution that there can be significant risks with the procedure. 

“We try to thoroughly discuss with our patients throughout the evaluation process that there are multiple risks with placing endobronchial valves, including developing a collapsed lung or pneumonia,” Sigler said. “Although many patients experience life-changing results, it is important to temper this with the understanding that we normally perform this only in patients that have the most severe forms of COPD and these lungs are predisposed to collapsing or developing pneumonia.”

Sigler said generally 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 and have reduced lung function are eligible for the procedure. A simple set of tests is required to determine if a patient might be a good candidate for the treatment. These include pulmonary function testing, a CT scan, a blood test and the six-minute walk test. Additional tests may include an echocardiogram and a perfusion scan.

“Patients must quit smoking at least four months before receiving the treatment and must refrain from smoking after the procedure,” Sigler said.

To learn more about BLVR and determine if this procedure is an appropriate solution, patients can call Texas Tech Physicians Internal Medicine at (806) 414.9100.