November is COPD Awareness Month, endobronchial valves, a revolutionary minimally invasive treatment, are giving patients a chance to breathe easier and reclaim their quality of life. This groundbreaking procedure was first performed in Connecticut by Dr. Omar Ibrahim, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of COPD.
According to the American Lung Association, over 16.4 million people are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. It's caused by damage to the airways or lungs that reduces airflow, and it can include emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Helen Dostie, 77 of Southington used to smoke a pack a day, sometimes more. She wishes she never touched a cigarette, but like many of her generation smoking was the norm, and they didn't know then the health dangers it caused. She also owns a cleaning service and spent many years breathing in chemicals, so many years ago, a COPD emphysema diagnosis wasn't a big surprise, especially since two of her brother's also had the disease.
"You think it's never going to happen to you," says Dostie. "I haven't smoked in a long time and you there's no amount of money in the world you could pay me to ever touch another cigarette."
Many of the day-to-day activities that people take for granted, those with COPD find difficult to complete, for Dostie, driving, showering or walking across the room was difficult to do without becoming short of breath. She used oxygen 24 hours a day to control her disease and had to stop working.
Five years ago, a flare up landed her in the ICU for six days and she was referred to Dr. Omar Ibrahim, associate professor of Medicine and director of Interventional Pulmonary at UConn Health who explained an endobronchial valve procedure that might be an option to help her.
The endobronchial valve procedure is a minimally invasive treatment option that does not require cutting or incisions. Tiny valves are placed into a targeted section of the diseased lung where the air has become trapped. The trapped air causes shortness of breath. The one-way valve allows the trapped air to be released, resulting in patients being able to breathe easier and experience less shortness of breath. The valve is designed to block off a diseased part of the lungs, which reduces hyperinflation. This allows the healthier parts of the lungs to expand, which can make breathing easier.
After going through the required tests and exercise program, she was approved for the Zephyr valves. She underwent the procedure four years ago, when Ibrahim was the first in Connecticut to perform an endobronchial valve procedure.
"This has been a lifesaving procedure that has made a world of difference, and I can breathe again," says Dostie.
Dostie was back to working and doing the things she loves like working in her yard.
"I don't think there is another doctor like Dr. Ibrahim, he's so down to earth and has a great team working with him," says Dostie. "I will never see another pulmonologist but him, he can't perform miracles, but he's pretty close."
Dostie highly recommends the valve treatment for anyone suffering from COPD and may be considering the valves to not hesitate to have it done. Based on her personal experience, the process involves no pain or discomfort, and the results are truly life changing.
Following her treatment, she can breathe freely again, significantly improving her quality of life. She was so impressed with the care and expertise of Ibrahim and the entire team that she has even referred her brother to undergo the same procedure.
Since her treatment she has been breathing so well that the quality of life has dramatically improved. A few months ago, when she noticed something seemed off, she returned to see Ibrahim, who made a quick adjustment to the valves.
"The improvement was immediate, and I am grateful for the exceptional care and responsiveness of the team," says Dostie.
"It was because her breathing was normally so good that she was able to recognize when something was off and get it addressed immediately, allowing her to continue living her life to the fullest," says Ibrahim.
The endobronchial valve is recommended for adults with severe COPD emphysema who have reduced lung function and shortness of breath. The valve can help improve lung function and quality of life.
