If you're a fan of the Jersey rock music scene, there are few people better to talk with than Frank Knox. A keyboard player and vocalist with the Electric Duck band, Frank entertained at clubs throughout the state and recorded songs like "Most People Get Happy" and "A Smile Upside Down."

Over the years, though, breathing problems made getting around—let alone singing—a challenge. A longtime bar owner and smoker, the Manchester, Ocean County resident had developed severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"I almost died in 2007. I got a virus that put me in intensive care for a week," said Frank, 77. "I had pneumonia twice in 2023. That hit my lungs really hard, scarred them even more."

By spring 2024, Frank had only 17% lung capacity, needed three liters of oxygen a day, and was largely homebound.

"My neighbor saw how I was suffering. She did research and came up with the Zephyr^® valve," he said. "My pulmonologist never heard of it but told me to go for it. I found Dr. Riaz in South Jersey, and I'm glad I did!"

Valve Redirects Air Flow

When you have COPD, the air sacs in your lungs lose elasticity. Air becomes trapped and can't escape when you exhale, causing you to become short of breath. The Zephyr procedure uses tiny one-way valves to prevent air from entering damaged portions of your lungs. Air is diverted to healthier portions of your lungs, making breathing easier.

Frank received seven valves in the left lobe of his lung and spent three nights in intensive care at Virtua Marlton Hospital.

"I tell my patients we are not replacing your lungs. You will still be using your own lungs," said Virtua interventional pulmonologist Syed Riaz, MD. "But the Zephyr valves can help you feel and breathe better—and that’s our main goal."

On the Road Again

Within a month of his procedure, Frank was well enough to go on a Caribbean cruise.

"When they first brought me to the hospital, I was in a wheelchair. When I came for my follow-up, I walked in. Everyone was clapping; they couldn't believe it," said Frank.

The valves allow select people with severe COPD to delay or avoid a lung transplant.

"Some patients are reluctant because the wait for a transplant can be long and it is a significantly invasive procedure," said Dr. Riaz. "With the Zephyr procedure, we can remove or replace valves, all done noninvasively with a bronchoscope threaded through your mouth into your lungs."

Today, Frank still requires some supplemental oxygen, but he's now able to play with his granddaughter, Piper, and fly to Arizona with his wife, Claudette. He's even singing a bit—albeit in the car and around the house rather than on stage six nights a week.

"I was housebound. I couldn't even walk to the mailbox," he said. "Now I feel so much younger and healthier. It's unbelievable!"

Breathe Better, Live Fuller

If you have trouble breathing, our team of highly trained pulmonologists can help. Schedule an appointment with a Virtua pulmonologist or call 888-847-8823.