Montrose Regional Health is the only hospital on the Western Slope performing Endobronchial Valve procedures
MONTROSE, CO – In a first for healthcare in the Montrose region, Montrose Regional Health recently performed the first endobronchial valve procedure. The procedure provides increased relief for individuals experiencing severe COPD.
“This is an additional tool for patients who have severe COPD and are already on maximal therapy but are experiencing a lot of shortness of breath,” says Dr. Andrew Hersh, Pulmonologist with the Montrose Lung & Sleep Center at Montrose Regional Health. “The purpose of this treatment is to help people breathe better, walk further, and have fewer symptoms.”
Led by Dr. Hersh, the multidisciplinary team included support from Surgical Services, Respiratory Services, Montrose Lung & Sleep Center, and more. The procedure to place an endobronchial valve into a patient’s lung structure lasts approximately 30-60 minutes. During the procedure, a bronchoscope (camera) is used to help the doctor navigate and place the valve. The number of valves placed will be dependent on the structure of the patient’s lungs.
Clinical trial for the valve found patients experienced notable benefits compared to medications alone, including:
- Increased exercise capacity
- Ability to do more daily life activities – such as walking, gardening, and getting ready in the morning
- Increased lung function
- Better quality of life
Montrose Regional Health is known for providing advanced healthcare services, including being the first hospital on the Western Slope to utilize the daVinci robotic-assisted surgical system. With the opening of the Montrose Lung & Sleep Center, the hospital began offering services that previously required patients to travel to the Denver area – including Dr. Hersh performing Montrose’s first Navigational Bronchoscopy in 2021. The hospital continues to increase procedures and providers to meet the region’s growing health care needs.
About Montrose Regional Health (www.MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. The hospital is licensed for 75-beds and offers an extensive range of inpatient & outpatient health care services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory, medical imaging/radiology, Mountain View Therapy, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced respiratory & pulmonary services, and the family birthing center. The health system has a reputation for acquiring the latest technologies in healthcare, from robotic assisted surgical services to UVC-disinfection technology. Montrose Regional Health is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 700 employees and 100 providers who represent 23 medical specialties. With a tagline that reads Caring for you like family, the health system is known for its warm patient care.
