BLVR, an emphysema game-changer
Billy's primary pulmonologist, Dr. Rana Hasan with Wellstar Pulmonary Medicine at Wellstar Vinings Health Park, saw his condition worsening. She referred him to her colleague, Dr. Hiren V. Patel, an interventional pulmonologist, in hopes that Billy qualified for a minimally invasive treatment.
The non-surgical treatment is called bronchoscopic lung volume reduction—or BLVR—and is a key intervention for people with emphysema, a condition where damaged lung tissue loses its elasticity.
“From the damage over time, the lungs get so expanded there is no room in the chest to take another breath,” Dr. Patel explained.
The BLVR procedure uses a bronchoscope—a thin, flexible tube—to place tiny, one-way valves into the airways. These half centimeter-wide valves deploy like stents and allow trapped air to escape from the diseased portions of the lung, which then shrink down, allowing the healthier areas of the lung to function better.
“People who have BLVR end up recovering the reserve they didn’t have anymore, ultimately giving them back their breath,” said Dr. Patel.
He said the treatment is available at just a few locations in Georgia. Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center was designated a Premier Practice by PulmonX, the medical device manufacturer. This means Wellstar has achieved a high level of experience and commitment to best practices.
An unstoppable recovery, a restored life
Billy went through a rigorous eligibility process to see if he qualified to have the procedure. Most of the tests were done in Dr. Patel’s office, including a pulmonary function test and a six-minute walk test that helps doctors determine how much air reserve a patient has and whether they can handle surgery.
“I could do six minutes on the lowest setting and then I was done,” Billy remembered. “I had to stop.”
With a high-resolution CT scan, Dr. Patel made a map of Billy’s lungs to identify where to place the valves and redirect air flow to healthier lobes.
With the all-clear, Billy underwent BLVR. As with any significant medical intervention, the procedure carried risks, including a potential lung collapse. Unfortunately, Billy experienced exactly that. An extended stay in the hospital and attentive care by Dr. Patel allowed his lungs to recover and he went home breathing easier than ever. Despite the setback, Billy said his life is restored.
Gratitude for his blessings
At the beginning of his recovery, he quickly worked himself up to 30 minutes walking on the treadmill from just six minutes prior to having BLVR.
“It's unbelievable what a difference it is,” Billy said. “I went from drowning without air to having a normal life.”
Grateful to be able to walk freely and work on his cars again, Billy enters his shed to find the right tool for his next project.
Today, Billy ascends and descends stairs without difficulty. He’s back in his garage, often working for up to eight hours a day. He was pleased to be able to quickly replace an emergency brake cable in his classic Pleasure-Way van recently.
Dr. Patel noted that it typically takes a year or two for patients to feel the full effects of the procedure. He’s thrilled Billy recovered ahead of schedule.
“He’s back to working in his garage and he’s unstoppable,” Dr. Patel smiled.
As for Billy, his gratitude to his doctor is from the heart: “Dr. Patel, you helped me to enjoy my blessings so much more. I can't thank you enough. God bless you sir!”
Find an interventional pulmonologist
BLVR is performed at these Wellstar locations:
If you have emphysema, talk to your pulmonologist about whether BLVR may be right for you. Learn more about bronchoscopic lung volume reduction or find an interventional pulmonologist at Wellstar.
