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Bakersfield Heart Hospital announces new treatment for people with breathing problems

Posted at 10:15 AM, Sep 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-09-04 13:47:34-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield Heart Hospital announced a new treatment that will help patients with their breathing. One patient spoke during a press conference about what this means.

"Anyone who has a hard time breathing knows what I'm talking about," said Roman Weldon. "I can go places with my wife that I couldn't go before."

The Heart Hospital says the new procedure uses the zephyr valve which gives emphysema patients full breaths and allows them to do everyday tasks.

There are specific criteria for becoming a candidate for the treatment. However, it has been used in patients with heart disease and as a bridge for patients awaiting lung transplant.