FDA approves Zephyr Endobronchial Valve in emphysema.- Pulmonx.

The FDA has approved a new device, the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve (Zephyr Valve), from Pulmonx, intended to treat breathing difficulty associated with severe emphysema. The FDA reviewed data from a multi-center study of 190 patients with severe emphysema. In this study, 128 patients were treated with Zephyr Valves and medical management according to current clinical guidelines, including medications (bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory maintenance medications) and pulmonary rehabilitation, while 62 patients (the control group) received medical management only.

Results of treatment were measured by how many patients in each arm of the study had at least a 15 percent improvement in pulmonary function scores (the volume of air that can forcibly be blown out in one second after full inhalation). At one year, 47.7 percent of patients treated with Zephyr Valves experienced at least a 15 percent improvement in their pulmonary function scores, compared with 16.8 percent of patients in the control group. Adverse events observed in the study include death, air leak (pneumothorax), pneumonia, worsening of emphysema, coughing up blood, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Using a flexible bronchoscope, a doctor places Zephyr Valves, similar in size to pencil erasers, into the diseased areas of the lung airways during a procedure in a hospital setting. Design of the device is intended to prevent air from entering the damaged parts of the lung and allow trapped air and fluids to escape. During inhalation, the valves close, preventing air from entering the damaged part of the lung and during exhalation, the valves open, letting out trapped air, which is intended to relieve pressure.