Endobronchial valves are inserted using a bronchoscope into sections of the lungs damaged by emphysema. Endobronchial valves are medical devices that allow air to exit these sections but not to re-enter. The valves, in effect, cause damaged lung tissue to deflate, thereby reducing the excessive lung volume (hyperinflation) caused by emphysema. Two endobronchial valves have been approved by the FDA for BLVR: Zephyr and Spiration.
