News Release

MUNSTER — Franciscan Health Munster is the first and only hospital in Northwest Indiana to offer a minimally invasive procedure that significantly improves quality of life for chronic emphysema patients, representatives announced on Friday, Aug. 25.

The Zephyr Valve system is an FDA approved, minimally invasive procedure requiring no incisions or cutting. Franciscan Health Munster began offering the procedure in mid-August, which is being performed by Franciscan Physician Network Pulmonology and Critical Care Physician Ibraheem Yousef, MD.

“This is the only minimally invasive treatment for severe emphysema, with patients expected to be back to their functional status on day three after the procedure compared to weeks of recovery after any surgical intervention,” Dr. Yousef said. “Multiple studies showed improvement in quality of life, walking distances and pulmonary function tests with a trend to improve survival.”

The procedure, performed using a 30-60-minute bronchoscopy, places an average of four tiny Zephyr valves in the airways to block diseased parts of the lungs. The valves reduce hyperinflation of the damaged areas and allow healthier lung tissue to expand, which eases pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier for patients to breathe more comfortably.

Emphysema is a progressive, life-threatening lung disease for which there is no cure. According to the American Lung Association, more than 12.5 million Americans suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, 3.5 million of which have emphysema.

“Franciscan Health Munster is thrilled to be the first healthcare system in Northwest Indiana to offer this life-changing procedure,” said Franciscan Health Munster President and CEO Dean Mazzoni. “Our patients can have peace of mind knowing they do not have to incur additional expense and stress traveling outside of the Region to receive care using state-of-the-art technologies.”

To schedule an appointment for a consultation, contact Dr. Yousef’s office at the Franciscan Physician Network Munster Medical Center, 761 45th Street in Munster at (219) 922-5416. In-person and virtual visits are available.

Franciscan Health also offers this procedure in Indianapolis.