My dad had 3 rounds of zephyr valves. Each time a different location was chosen. He was told the first two procedures did not work due to tethers holding the portion of the lung from collapsing as it was intended. The goal was to be off of oxygen, or have better lung function. At the time he needed a small amount. 1 to 2 L, he was still driving a car and leaving the house independently. That was one year ago. Today he needs between 4 and 10 L.
As you may know, the portable concentrators only do 2 L max. 10 L is a lot and you run out super quick. He is not able to leave the house on his own. We were told that this was a very unusual result. And that his lung tissue was extremely fragile. Valves can cause a lot of mucus buildup in some people. My dad was one of them. He considered the percentages when making his decisions for more valves each time. After a punemorhorax occurred due to the valves working "too well" and a hole developed. After two wedge resections to stop a persistent air leak failed, a final fourth valve procedure successfully stopped it.
This is a difficult story to hear when you're considering this procedure. Ultimately I have no advice one way or another. We don't know how our bodies will react to valves or how the disease will progress or what problems will occur choosing to do nothing.

I will say to the positive, pulmonary rehab has been quite helpful. Staying active with daily exercise when possible, has been very helpful. There were different inhaled medications including a saltwater/ saline that helped the mucus. Now My dad is learning how to leave the house while pushing an oxygen bottle. Maybe he'll get to drive the car again.

Hoping you find the answers that are right for you. Good luck!

Thank you