Zephyr Delivery Catheter

The Zephyr® Endobronchial Valve (Zephyr Valve) is an endobronchial implant designed to occlude airflow in the target lobe and thereby reduce lung volume. The device consists of a one-way silicone duckbill valve attached to a nickel-titanium (Nitinol) self-expanding retainer that is covered with a silicone membrane. It is implanted in the target bronchus during a bronchoscopy procedure using the Zephyr Endobronchial Delivery Catheter (EDC) that is guided to the targeted bronchus by inserting it through the working channel of an adult bronchoscope. Successful lobar occlusion may require placement of multiple Zephyr Valves in bronchi of the target lobe. The Zephyr Valves permit air to vent out of the treated lobe during exhalation but do not permit refilling of this region during inhalation to reduce hyperinflation due to emphysema. Trapped air in the diseased lobe escapes through the Zephyr Valves until the lung volume of the treated lobe is reduced. The Zephyr Valve is designed to be a permanent implant, but can be removed, if necessary.