Breaking barriers in COPD care: Robert’s story of renewal

After years of struggling with COPD and relying on oxygen, Robert Hutchison found new hope through the Zephyr valve procedure at FirstHealth with Pinehurst Medical Clinic Pulmonology

For many years, Robert Hutchison struggled to breathe easily.

Diagnosed with COPD more than 20 years ago after smoking since his teenage years, Robert’s condition worsened following a severe infection that exacerbated his breathing issues.

After living an active life which included years in the construction industry, Robert’s world was shrinking, and everyday tasks were a challenge.

“I would walk a few steps from where the car is parked into our kitchen and I’d be out of breath,” he said. “I’d have to lean on the counter to catch my breath, and it was a horrible way to live.”

Robert’s wife was at his side throughout his struggles, and she advocated for him to search for possible solutions.

“I was scared to even try it,” he says.

But after his wife discovered a relatively new interventional procedure and encouraged him to learn more, Robert decided to take a leap of faith. That leap changed everything and led Robert to the office of Pinehurst Medical Clinic pulmonologist Adam Belanger, M.D.

Alongside the FirstHealth Pulmonology care team, Dr. Belanger, who provides comprehensive pulmonology services under a patient services agreement with FirstHealth, recommended that Robert consider the Zephyr valve procedure, a minimally invasive treatment for severe COPD.

“The goal of the Zephyr valve is simple. It helps people with severe COPD breathe easier,” Belanger said. “Of course, outcomes can vary, but we insert these one-way valves into a patient’s airways during a bronchoscopy, allowing them to breathe easier and, we hope, improve activity levels.”

Dr. Belanger said it didn’t take long to realize that Robert would do well from an intervention to help his symptoms.

“When we first met, Robert was profoundly short of breath and required oxygen. He was unable to do a lot of the stuff that he liked to do,” Dr. Belanger recalled. “He went through the evaluation process and turned out to be a great candidate.”

Following his procedure in 2025, Robert noticed a difference in how he felt right away.

“There are no words to explain how I feel about this procedure… how wonderful it was,” Robert said.

“There’s no way to explain the miracle that I have got. I can breathe; I am off the oxygen now. I can do work out in the yard as I’ve always done. I could not give enough thank-yous to Dr. Belanger and my entire care team.”

Robert’s wife quipped that she wondered if there was anything Dr. Belanger could do to slow him down following his recovery.

“Robert’s story is a powerful example of what is possible with the Zephyr valve,” Dr. Belanger said. “After his procedure, he was able to do things he couldn’t have imagined. He was enjoying being back outside and even told me he was working on a greenhouse for his wife.”

Dr. Belanger brought the Zephyr valve procedure to FirstHealth more than five years ago and has since seen strong success supported by the organization’s other advanced COPD treatments like pulmonary rehab and medication optimization.

The evaluation process for the Zephyr valve normally takes a couple of months and includes breathing tests, a specialized CT scan, an echocardiogram and a scan to assess blood flow to the lungs.

“People should have a low threshold to come and meet with us,” said Dr. Belanger. “Even if they are not good candidates for the procedure we can still find pathways to improve their situation. While we don’t have a cure for COPD, we have a lot more tools in the toolbox than we used to. We can help people breathe easier and live better.”

For Robert, the difference is life-changing. His advice to others? “Do it. It was amazing.”

To learn more about the Zephyr valve procedure, COPD treatments and FirstHealth Pulmonology, visit www.FirstHealth.org/Pulmonology.

To learn more about Pinehurst Medical Clinic’s pulmonology providers, visit www.pinehurstmedical.com/pulmonology

Jan. 28, 2026

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