In early September 2019, Rosie Hahn became the second person in Wisconsin to receive a newly-approved endobronchial valve treatment for emphysema.
Hahn, who is 80 years old, had been diagnosed with emphysema about 12 years ago. The condition first started out as shortness of breath, but quickly began to impact all areas of her life. Daily tasks like cleaning the house, showering, or walking across a parking lot became difficult.
Despite standard treatments like medication and pulmonary rehabilitation, Hahn struggled to breathe comfortably. She had a rescue inhaler and a nebulizer, but still had to go to the emergency room several times. Eventually she began using oxygen around the clock.
Per doctor recommendations, Hahn exercised on a treadmill, walking every day to help boost her lung function. But she still felt like she was losing her ability to live a normal life.
"That was about the only exercise I could handle," Hahn said. "I had a lot of congestion and wheezing. I had to rest even with a short walk."
"Everything to gain"
When Dr. Mendoza let her know about a new procedure that had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Hahn was cautious, but optimistic. After months of consideration, she agreed to be Aurora BayCare's second recipient of the endobronchial valves.
"I thought I had nothing to lose and everything to gain," she said.
Implanting the valves is a non-surgical procedure. Dr. Mendoza used a camera-equipped bronchoscope to place three small valves, each one about the size of a pea, to close off the damaged areas of her lungs. The procedure took about an hour, and Hahn remained in the hospital for a few days for observation.
"So much better"
In a follow-up appointment, Hahn and Mendoza smiled as they reminisced about her procedure.
"Her appointment was for 7:30 in the morning, and by 10:30 she was sitting up and demanding her coffee!" Dr. Mendoza joked. He was overjoyed to hear how well she was doing that he brought her the coffee himself.
By 1:00 that same afternoon, she was walking.
"There was no pain. No discomfort or anything. You wouldn't even know I went through a procedure," Hahn said.
Just two weeks post-surgery, Hahn continues to report improvements.
"Yesterday, I cleaned the bathroom and swept the floors," Hahn says. "And people tell me I sound so much better on the phone. I feel good." Hahn's breathing will continue to improve as her body readjusts and her diaphragm gets stronger. Dr. Mendoza praises her motivation and is confident she will continue to do well.
"I think she's going to be an exceptional case," he says.
Aurora BayCare is the first in Wisconsin to offer this breakthrough treatment for emphysema and COPD. Trouble breathing? Major surgery and suffering are not your only options. Consult our lung specialists to find out if the endobronchial valve procedure is right for you.