Patients in Denver with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) now have access to a new, minimally invasive treatment that can help them breathe easier. Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital and National Jewish Health are offering bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) — a procedure that uses tiny one-way valves to reduce trapped air in the lungs and improve breathing.
The therapy is available only at these two hospitals in Denver. Candidates must meet specific lung function criteria and cannot be current smokers. Before the procedure, patients complete a full outpatient evaluation including CT imaging and pulmonary function testing…