Providence Holy Cross Medical Center is the first Providence hospital in the San Fernando Valley to offer a minimally invasive treatment for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. This option provides new hope for individuals struggling with breathlessness and limited lung function despite receiving maximum medical therapy.
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) involves the placement of a Zephyr endobronchial valve, a tiny one-way device, into the airways of the lungs using a bronchoscope. The valve helps release trapped air from diseased portions of the lungs and prevents further air entrapment, improving breathing and reducing shortness of breath in patients. This procedure reduces lung hyper-inflation, a common experience in patients with severe COPD and significant emphysema.
Dr. Sasan Sani, a board-certified pulmonologist at Providence Holy Cross, performed the hospital’s first procedures this month. “For patients who have struggled to manage their COPD symptoms even with the best available medications, this treatment can dramatically improve lung function, exercise capacity and overall quality of life -- all without major surgery,” said Dr. Sani. “We’re honored to provide advanced respiratory care options for our community.”
BLVR is an alternative to more invasive traditional lung volume reduction surgery. This procedure does not require any cutting or incisions, allowing for reduced hospital stays and quicker recovery periods.
“This new treatment represents a major step forward in how we care for patients with advanced lung disease," said Rex Hoffman, M.D., chief medical officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. “It underscores our commitment to bringing cutting-edge therapies closer to home.”
Providence Holy Cross has long been recognized for providing high-quality patient care. In addition to being recognized as one of Healthgrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals for six straight years, the hospital is also the recipient of the Healthgrades’ Pulmonary Care Excellence Award for superior clinical outcomes in treating COPD.
About Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, is a 378-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital founded in 1961. Nationally recognized for clinical performance and nursing excellence, Providence Holy Cross is one of only two trauma centers in the San Fernando Valley and ranks among the nation’s best hospitals for providing high-quality patient care. Award-winning specialties include care in cancer, stroke, maternity, digestive health, cardiovascular health and orthopedics. Providence Holy Cross is part of Providence, a 52-hospital health system with a comprehensive range of services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. For more information visit: providence.org/holycross.
