The evaluation for the valves takes a lot into consideration, including your age and FEV1, but those are only two of a lot of things they consider. Some of the issues are structural and have to do with how your lungs are situated in your body and how they interface with each other. Your level of activity and exercise tolerance is another consideration. Your attitude is another. Remember, too, that each center that does the procedure has their own evaluation protocol; some things are universal, but there are a number that are unique to each center, so you might look around if you can.

yes i know there very different, i was just thinking of options, coils are also in trials and look promising but there not ready for the public yet. right now we'll take anything thats helps till they find a cure

Hello again Donkeys8. I’m not a candidate for LVRS. That’s a completely different procedure than the Zephyr Valves. With LVRS they remove damaged upper lobe tissue which is an invasive surgery. With the Zephyr Valves placement they insert tiny “one way” valves through a bronchoscope into targeted areas of the lung/lungs allowing trapped air to escape and not re-enter that area so the overinflated lungs can be reduced, taking pressure off the diaphragm, allowing for more productive breathing. A person still has to qualify through certain criteria to be eligible for this procedure.

what is your fev 1 number, i didnt get valves, i had LVRS, you cant always listen to your plumonolist no matter how good they are , the thoric surgeon is the one that will decide what there willing to do, i was sent for a transplant andd got turned downed because i had not exhausted all my options, so aftere close to a year of doing this and trying that, they said LVRS and i had both lungs done

thats pretty good they like you to be in the 30's, i was at 21% and theres a few that i know of from another site thats all about LVRS only, have been as low as 18% and as old as 75 so, as long as your issues are mainly in your top lobes you might be a good candiate, now i have to say i've seen alot of people get valves put in and they dont last or they fail, and others swear by them, but the ones that fail those people usally end up having LVRS but have a harder recovery time, because of the infections and other things caused by the valves,, my advise is to do alot of research on both, have a brunch of questions you need to ask, the Surgeon and let him tell you what he willing to do and whats best for you and your family