Army Veteran Receives Innovative Treatment for Severe Emphysema

“I didn’t want to do anything – I couldn’t do anything because I couldn’t get enough air,” Turner said. “Just a walk to the bathroom or to climb into bed was a real chore. Mostly what I wanted to do was just sit. However, even then, I was having trouble breathing.”

“Patients with severe emphysema experience life-limiting symptoms from irreversible lung damage,” said Satish Kalanjeri, MD, Chief of Interventional Pulmonology at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. “Our lungs are made up of millions of tiny air sacs that, when damaged, rupture and create one big air pocket. The diseased part of the lung then fills with air and as this pocket gets larger, it puts pressure on the healthy section as well as the diaphragm. Those with emphysema typically experience, among other symptoms, constant shortness of breath and chest pain, which makes it difficult to perform everyday activities without stopping for air, resting, or needing help.”

For those with severe emphysema, medication and oxygen therapy may no longer be viable options. Instead, a surgical procedure to either remove the damaged portion of the lung or the entire organ may be necessary. As with all surgical procedures, there are elements of risk as well as extended recovery times. However, a new procedure at Truman VA may offer Veterans with this disease a minimally invasive alternative.

“We now have the ability to place endobronchial valves into the lungs via a bronchoscope that we insert through the mouth or nose instead of operating through an incision,” Kalanjeri said. “By implanting three to five endobronchial valves into key airways of the lungs, we can shut off airflow to the damaged portion of the lung to obtain the same results as a lung-reduction surgery – without the need for an open procedure. As a result, the good part of the lung now expands to occupy the space previously taken up by the damaged portion. The patient usually does not experience a lengthy recovery, which is common with an open surgery. Instead, after three to five days of monitoring, the patient typically is able to return home and experiences improved relief from their symptoms.”

“Not every patient with emphysema is a candidate for this procedure,” said Jeremy Johnson, DO, Chief of Pulmonology and Specialty Care Services at Truman VA. “However, pivotal studies have demonstrated that when appropriate patients are chosen, excellent results can be expected. We carefully work up potential candidates and have extensive discussions with our Veterans before offering them an endobronchial valve procedure. We believe that this process provides our Veterans with an opportunity to achieve the very best outcomes.”

“This procedure was really non-invasive,” Turner said. “It was all done down my windpipe and there was no downtime to it. Once I came out of surgery, I felt great, and I had no pain. I think it was about lunchtime and they brought me a meal and I had a big lunch. I felt great!”

“This procedure has really made things better for me,” Turner said. “I go outside now, I walk around – I’ve even been to some stores. I just feel so much better.”

Perhaps a more telling example of his improved condition is the return of his ability to travel. A self-described “snowbird,” Turner typically spent his winters living in more southern states to avoid the cold Missouri weather. However, his severe symptoms have prevented his annual migrations – until now. This year he is wintering in Texas.

“Truman VA is, in my opinion, the best,” Turner said. “I’ve been coming here for years for my treatments and honestly, it only gets better and better every time I come. The teamwork here is great. The nurses, doctors and technicians really go out of their way to make me feel like I’m No. 1, and they treat me right. As far as I’m concerned Truman VA is the best in the country and I tell everybody that.”

If you are a Veteran and want to learn if you qualify for VA health care, please call (573) 814-6535.