Joyce Stovall, diagnosed with asthma and emphysema in her 30s, has seen significant improvement in her condition due to a new procedure at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Previously reliant on an oxygen tank for over 20 years, the 62-year-old no longer needs it. The procedure involves implanting endobronchial valves into the diseased lung lobe, a minimally invasive method.
Dr. Sai Karan Vamsi Guda, an interventional pulmonologist at the hospital, performed the procedure. The small valves allow trapped air to be exhaled from an overinflated lobe, reducing its size and preventing further air blockage. Stovall has reported a significant improvement in her condition.
However, the procedure carries risks. Emphysema patients undergo extensive testing to determine their suitability for this treatment. They must not be smokers or vapers, and several tests are conducted to assess their tolerance for valve placement. The procedure uses a bronchoscope, a small camera inserted into the lungs through the nose or mouth, and does not involve cutting or incisions.