Thank you so muc...I'm contemplating having it done..

Check the clinical trials records that each of the companies need to keep. The Zephyr valves had a very good record or the FDA wouldn't have approved them. I believe there were two deaths in the last clinical trial. Remember that in a clinical trial, they have to report everything that happened, and there's no proof that any of the things that happened were caused by the valves. In fact, I think the evidence was that the valves had nothing to do with the deaths that did occur. I don't know about the others, but that's a question you should ask if you're considering the procedure. They should be able to answer you with exact numbers.

Thank you Jen god bless...I keep praying for a miracle for all of us

Hi Jeannie, I had 5 valves inserted in my top right lung in April this year, and then 3 more inserted in the middle section in May, they didn't work for me, infact the surgery took away the lifestyle that I did have and I have been housebound and in a poor state since. In June I was admitted to hospital and 5 valves were removed, with the possibility of the others coming out after I see my specialist later this month. I am now seeing very slight improvements daily, I was made well aware of the risks of failure before I had it done, I was also told that there have been deaths although not many, that is a risk you take with any surgery.When I researched it in the months before surgery I was only able to find 3 people who had it done and each had a different outcome. If it works its a brilliant thing for those who cant breath. I made the decision before surgery that regardless of the outcome, it was worth a try. I don't have any regrets, it hasn't been easy, but what if I didn't do it and missed out on the opportunity of a better lifestyle, goodluck, you will know what is the right decision for you

Thank you so much for your response, I love your honesty. do you feel worse than before you had them placed? I'm going to Cleveland clinic on July 31st for testing . I'm a big baby so it's going to be a hard decision. It was so kind of you to answer...thank you God bless and hugs...