Breathing easily is a basic part of daily life. But people with serious lung conditions can find even small activities exhausting. Conditions such as advanced emphysema weaken the lungs, which makes it hard for patients to get enough air. As such, there has been a growing need for treatments that are safe and don’t need major surgery. One such option is endobronchial valves.
This blog explains what endobronchial valves are and how they work. It also details the top endobronchial valve manufacturers driving the endobronchial valves market expansion. Let’s dive in!
What Are Endobronchial Valves?
Endobronchial valves are one-way devices. These valves are placed inside the airways of the lungs. They are mainly used to help people with severe emphysema. For the unversed, severe emphysema is a type of COPD where damaged parts of the lungs trap too much air. This trapped air makes it hard for patients to breathe in a proper way. The result of this is constant breathlessness.
Endobronchial valves work by changing the movement of air in the lungs. They allow the trapped air to escape the damaged lung areas. But stop new air from getting in. This results in the slow shrinkage of the unhealthy parts of the lung. The shrinking allows the healthier parts of the lung to expand and work better. As such, patients can breathe easily and feel less pressure in their chest.
What Are Key Market Metrics?
The endobronchial valves market is expected to witness sustained growth. The market is projected to account for a CAGR of 5.9% between 2024 and 2032. It is projected to reach USD 284.76 million by 2032.
Why Are Endobronchial Valves Needed?
As mentioned earlier, people with severe emphysema often struggle to breathe. This is because damaged parts of their lungs trap air. Usual treatments involve medicines and breathing exercises. Sometimes, lung surgery may also be advised. But lung surgery is major and may not be suitable for everyone.
Endobronchial valves provide a safer and less invasive alternative. It doesn’t involve the removal of lung tissue. Instead, doctors place these small valves inside the airway to release trapped air. This helps the unhealthy part of the lung shrink in a natural way. The procedure enables the lungs to function in a more efficient manner.
What Are Benefits of Endobronchial Valves?
Easier Breathing: Many patients find that it becomes easier to breathe after a few weeks of treatment. They can walk easily and accomplish day-to-day activities without getting breathless.
Better Lung Function: Shrinking of the damaged part of the lung allows the healthier part to function better. As a result, it improves airflow and oxygen levels.
Minimally Invasive Treatment: Similar to other procedures from the minimally invasive surgery market, endobronchial valves do not require any cutting or removal of lung tissue. Therefore, this leads to a faster recovery period.
Improved Daily Life: Patients often report having more energy and feeling independent. Things that may have required effort, like simple activities, become easier, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life.
Reversible and Adjustable: The possibility of repositioning or removing the valves whenever this may be necessary allows physicians to make adjustments during treatment, if needed.
Who Are Leading Endobronchial Valve Manufacturers?
Broncus Medical Inc.
Broncus Medical Inc. is the company that developed the Archimedes and Spiration endobronchial valve systems. These systems are now primarily managed by other large medical device companies. The Spiration valve system comes with a frame and a polyurethane membrane. There are five anchors to secure it in place. The Archimedes system makes use of a 3D imaging approach for navigation during the procedure.
Pulmonx Corporation
Pulmonx Corporation offers minimally invasive treatments for COPD. The company is primarily known for the development of the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve (EBV) system. The Zephyr Valve was granted FDA breakthrough status and approved in June 2018. The treatment is now included in global treatment guidelines for COPD. Clinical studies have shown that patients treated with Zephyr valves experience significant improvements in lung function.
Olympus Corporation
Olympus Corporation offers the Spiration valve system in the endobronchial valves market. The system offers a non-surgical option for reducing lung volume in carefully selected patients with severe emphysema. The Spiration Valve System is FDA-approved to manage severe emphysema and post-surgical prolonged air leaks. Patient selection is important for success. It involves a thorough evaluation to determine the most suitable candidates.
Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex Incorporated manufactures various products for lung isolation. These include endobronchial tubes and endobronchial blockers. Its Rusch EZ-Blocker Endobronchial Blocker has a Y-shaped tip for intuitive placement. The Sheridan Sher-I-Bronch Endobronchial Tubes are designed for selective one-lung ventilation and provide a quiet surgical field on the non-ventilation side. It also offers a range of double-lumen tubes with specific cuff designs.
Novatech
Novatech operates in the medical devices market and also offers endobronchial valve solutions, specifically the Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot (EWS). The company’s EWS is made of implant-grade, radiopaque silicone. The device is designed to be inserted into segmental or subsegmental bronchi with the use of a flexible bronchoscope. It doesn’t need a dedicated delivery catheter like some other valves.
To Conclude
Endobronchial valves offer a meaningful option for people with severe emphysema. These valves allow people to breathe with less effort. They ease pressure inside the lungs and support better day-to-day movement. All of this without needing a major surgery. Endobronchial valves don’t cure the disease. But they offer relief that isn’t possible with many traditional treatments. Endobronchial valve manufacturers are focusing on advancing their offerings to provide patients with more comfort and a better quality of life.
