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Emphysema Treatment
Endobronchial Valve Therapy & Surgery, London

Endobronchial valve therapy — a breakthrough bronchoscopic approach for selected emphysema patients — reduces lung hyperinflation and improves breathing without surgical incision. Keyhole lung volume reduction surgery for suitable patients. Specialist assessment at London Bridge Hospital.

Endobronchial
Valve Therapy

Endobronchial valve (EBV) therapy is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure — no surgical incision is required. Small one-way valves are placed in the airways supplying the most diseased parts of the lung. The targeted area deflates, while healthier lung tissue expands and breathing mechanics improve.

In suitable patients, EBV therapy produces meaningful improvements in breathlessness, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Improvement typically begins within days to weeks as the target lobe deflates.

For patients not suitable for valve therapy, I also offer keyhole (VATS) lung volume reduction surgery — removing the most severely damaged emphysematous tissue to allow remaining lung to function more effectively.

Typical Selection Criteria for EBV Therapy
  • Severe breathlessness despite optimal inhaler treatment
  • Significant hyperinflation on lung function testing
  • Predominantly heterogeneous emphysema on CT
  • Not actively smoking
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The Assessment Pathway

Assessment involves clinical consultation, high-resolution CT scanning, comprehensive lung function tests, and in some cases a 6-minute walk test and echocardiogram. A clear recommendation is provided following specialist review of all results.

Told no further options exist?

If you have been told there are no further treatment options for emphysema or severe COPD, it is worth seeking a second opinion. Endobronchial valve therapy and LVRS have enabled patients with severe disease to experience meaningful improvement in quality of life.

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NHS vs Private

EBV therapy is available on the NHS at selected centres. Private assessment and treatment is also available for patients who wish to access care promptly. All options — NHS and private — are discussed openly at consultation.

Questions About
Emphysema Treatment

Questions patients most commonly ask about endobronchial valve therapy and lung volume reduction surgery.

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What does endobronchial valve therapy involve?
Small one-way valves are placed in the airways supplying the most diseased parts of the lung using a standard bronchoscope — no surgical incision. The valves allow air to escape from the targeted area on exhalation but prevent re-entry, causing the diseased tissue to deflate. Most patients undergo the procedure under sedation as a day-case or overnight stay.
How quickly does improvement occur?
In patients who respond, improvement in breathlessness and exercise capacity typically begins within days to weeks as the target lobe deflates. Maximum benefit is usually achieved over the first few months. Response depends heavily on accurate patient selection.
Who qualifies for valve treatment?
EBV therapy is suitable for patients with severe, predominantly heterogeneous emphysema who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical treatment. A thorough assessment is required. I will review your results and advise honestly whether you are likely to benefit.
What is the difference between EBV therapy and lung volume reduction surgery?
Both aim to reduce the volume of diseased lung tissue. EBV therapy does not require incisions and carries lower procedural risk. VATS lung volume reduction surgery is for patients not suitable for valves but fit enough for surgery. Both are discussed at consultation if relevant.

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Appointments within 2–3 days. Self-referrals welcome. All options discussed openly.

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