Bev Hewitt - United Kingdom
Treatment details:
Age at treatment: 72
Hospital: New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Date of procedure: Aug 4, 2020
Life Before Zephyr® Valves:
I’ve always been two things: active and determined. A person that doesn’t give in. Someone who just keeps moving. Having emphysema has been a challenge — but one that I’ve risen to, with the help of the right treatment.
I had a busy job working for a motorbike company. At the weekend, you’d find me doing odd jobs outside or going for long walks. Becoming ill made it hard to keep up this lifestyle. But one thing that didn’t change was my determination.
I was diagnosed with COPD about 10 years ago after a routine chest X-ray. I gave up smoking as soon as I found out. Nevertheless, my condition kept getting worse. It got to the point where I’d go to do a job outside and become so breathless I could barely walk.
Then came the hospital visits. I had about 12 episodes that ended with a hospital stay. I’d find myself completely unable to breathe, like I had a cushion over my mouth. It was awful. I had to call the ambulance and be taken in for treatment. I’d be lying there with an oxygen mask on all night, just to get through to the morning.
This really took a toll on my partner. She was worried sick for me. Every time I had an episode, she was terrified I wouldn’t even make it to hospital. I couldn’t let her keep going through this. I had to find a treatment that worked.
I did lots of research and I found out about a person with emphysema who had been successfully treated with Zephyr Valves in London. So, I went to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton to the lung department to find out if they could be an option for me.
I was seen by Mr. Habib who did some tests, and gave me the best news I’d heard in years. Yes! I was eligible for Zephyr Valves.
Life With Zephyr Valves:
Mr. Habib carried out my Zephyr Valve procedure in August of 2020. I was 72.
Everything went smoothly and I felt brilliant afterwards. I could see a difference straight away. I was able to walk up and down the stairs without getting breathless. I could get on with jobs at home again, without having to stop for air.
I bought myself an exercise bike as I wanted to be able to keep active no matter the weather. Throughout this last winter I’ve been on my indoor bike six times a day, doing 10 minutes a time. It feels so good to be getting some exercise and keeping moving.
I really do feel like a new man. To be frank, I’m not sure I would have made it through lockdown without the treatment. I might not have been here much longer.
I honestly think my Zephyr Valves are what’s kept me here. And I’m just so grateful to Mr. Habib. I think more hospitals should offer Zephyr Valve treatment. It would help so many people.
As we move out of lockdown and into the summer months, I’m looking forward to getting out and about. Maybe doing a bit of shopping. Going on some coach trips. Enjoying all those things I couldn’t do before my treatment for fear of getting breathless!
What would I say to anyone with severe emphysema who is eligible for the Zephyr Valves?
Go for it! You’ll be a new person.
What is the Zephyr Valve procedure?
The Zephyr Valve is intended for the treatment of patients with severe emphysema – a form of COPD. A physician uses a bronchoscope to place on average 4 tiny valves in the airways to block off the damaged areas of the lungs so air no longer gets trapped there. No cutting or incision is required and the procedure is usually completed in under an hour.
The valve placement allows the healthier parts of the lungs to expand and relieves the pressure on the diaphragm, which decreases shortness of breath and makes breathing easier. Patients report being able to take full breaths immediately after the procedure and within a few days are back to doing everyday tasks with more ease.
The results of case studies do not necessarily allow conclusions to be drawn in other cases. Results in other cases can be different. Possible complications associated with the endobronchial valve treatment include: Pneumothorax, deterioration of the COPD symptoms, pneumonia, dyspnea and in rare cases death. The Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve is an implantable bronchial valve intended to control airflow in order to improve lung functions in patients with hyperinflation associated with severe emphysema and/or to reduce air leaks. The Zephyr Valve is contraindicated for: Patients for whom bronchoscopic procedures are contraindicated; Evidence of active pulmonary infection; Patients with known allergies to Nitinol (nickel-titanium) or its constituent metals (nickel or titanium); Patients with known allergies to silicone; Patients who have not quit smoking. Use is restricted to a trained physician. Prior to use, please reference the Zephyr Endobronchial System Instructions for more information on indications, contraindications, warnings, all precautions, and adverse events.