The Zephyr valves by Pulmonx were the first to be approved by the FDA late last year. They are currently being done at Temple and UPMC in Philly, as well as a few other places around the country. It's basically a non-invasive alternative to LVRS. It's definitely worth looking into if you're near enough to a center where it's done. They've been doing them in Europe for the last 10 years and they've learned a lot about placement, who's a good candidate, etc.

The tests include the ct scan, spirometry pre & post bronchodilator, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, and body plethysmography. These are scheduled for March 15th.
I will be 74 tomorrow. Happy birthday to me, lol. So, age isn't as crucial as it is with the surgeries, apparently. I did age out of a lung transplant, for which I had to have lots of tests, and then turned 72 and was too old.
So, I'm getting really tired of testing. At least I haven't had two of these tests previously, so that will be a new experience.
My surgeon knows my lungs pretty well and the pulmonologist has all of his info about me and knows my age and hasn't said anything about not qualifying for the procedure.

I'm in the process of getting the endo-bronchial valves... lots of tests first to see if they would help and ANOTHER ctscan.
The valves close the most dysfunctional parts of the lung/lungs and make exhaling much easier.
If it doesn't work for you the valves can be removed. For this reason, my cardiothorasic surgeon recommended I try the valves first. After the lung volume reduction surgery, you're stuck with the outcome.

I am afraid I have never heard of it so I will be having a look at it later to see what it is about, Breather Easy and take your time these days I don't usually have a routine to maintain as sometimes it simply does not get finished as sometimes it simply does not get done.

I am also interested in this!