If Medicines Are Not Enough: COPD balloon treatment
COPD balloon treatment is a bronchoscopic method developed by Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca. The method is based entirely on mechanical cleaning. Years of smoking cause long-lasting inflammation of the inner lining of the bronchi (mucosa). Over time, this inflammation thickens the inner lining (hyperplasia) and causes chronic bronchitis. In balloon treatment, a special mesh-covered balloon is inflated and deflated inside the bronchi. In this way, the thickened lining and the built-up mucus are cleared mechanically (mucosal abrasion).
The results of the method have been published as case series. In these series, measurements before and after the procedure were compared. Patients were followed up over a long period.
To date, Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca has personally performed this treatment on more than 3,500 patients. The treatment is intended especially for patients with chronic bronchitis-type or mixed-type COPD. The aim is to reduce cough, phlegm and shortness of breath. Whether it is suitable for you is decided together at the consultation.
Pulmonologist
Years of experience (since 1996)
Procedure time
Approximately, under general anaesthesia
COPD balloon treatment
Patients treated by Prof. Dr. Karakoca
Bronchoscopic treatment
Patients treated with bronchoscopy
OUR PATIENTS ASK
The 5 questions our patients ask most often
Here, the doctor who developed the method briefly answers the questions we hear most often at consultations. We discuss questions specific to you together at the consultation.
01
“Doctor, how effective is the procedure?”
The aim is to make breathing easier by opening narrowed airways. In suitable patients, shortness of breath and the need for oxygen may decrease. We discuss together at the consultation how much benefit you can expect.
02
“Doctor, is the procedure life-threatening?”
First, a heart check and a pre-anaesthetic assessment are carried out. The procedure is performed in a hospital with intensive care support. As with any procedure under general anaesthesia, the risk is not zero. You are closely monitored during and after the procedure.
03
“Doctor, after the procedure, will things go back to how they were?”
COPD is a long-term disease. How long the relief lasts varies from person to person. Stopping smoking, vaccines and regular follow-up visits (at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months) help. The procedure can be repeated if needed.
04
“Doctor, how much does the procedure cost?”
The cost depends on how many areas are treated and on the length of your hospital stay. That is why we do not list prices on our website. After your consultation and tests, we tell you the cost clearly.
05
“Doctor, will my insurance cover this treatment?”
If you have private health insurance, coverage depends on your policy. If your policy covers it, you may be able to claim back the amount you paid from your insurance. We prepare the reports and documents required.
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
Three situations patients describe most often
Start with the one that is closest to your complaint. We explain in plain language which method is considered for whom.
“I take my medicines regularly, but I can’t climb stairs.”
In COPD in which cough and phlegm predominate (chronic bronchitis), the problem lies in the airways. The inner lining of the airways thickens and fills with mucus. Medicines cannot always open this narrowing. In such patients, COPD balloon treatment may be considered.
“I’m dependent on an oxygen machine.”
Using oxygen or a breathing machine at home is not a barrier to balloon treatment. In suitable patients, the need for oxygen may decrease after treatment. Your doctor decides whether to reduce your oxygen based on your follow-up measurements.
“My doctor said I have emphysema. Is the balloon an option for me?”
In emphysema, the problem lies mainly in the air sacs: air builds up in the lungs and cannot get out. So the aim is different. In suitable patients, placing a small one-way valve in the lung is considered.
COPD BALLOON TREATMENT IN 60 SECONDS
What is it, who is it for, how is it done?
COPD balloon treatment is a treatment that aims to open narrowed airways. While you are asleep, a tube with a camera at its tip (bronchoscope) is passed through the mouth into the airways. A special mesh-covered balloon is inflated and deflated in the narrowed airways. In this way, thickened tissue and mucus on the inner lining of the airway are cleared.
Read about the treatment in detail → · Watch the procedure animation (about 3 min, with subtitles) →
No incision, no permanent device
The procedure is done through the mouth. There is no skin incision and no stitches. No permanent device is left in the body.
A procedure of about 1 hour, a short hospital stay
The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days. They come for follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months.
Used alongside your medicines
Balloon treatment does not replace medicines. Your bronchodilator medicines, oxygen and exercises continue after the treatment too. We decide on any changes together at the follow-up visits.
Who is it suitable for?
It is considered in advanced COPD, for people whose symptoms continue despite regular medicines. These symptoms are shortness of breath, cough and phlegm. In emphysema, a different method (a valve) is planned. Who is it for? → · Is it safe? →
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca
Not all COPD is the same. Whether balloon treatment is suitable for you is decided by the doctor at the consultation.
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca has been a pulmonologist since 1996. He has been providing treatment with bronchoscopy for years. He developed COPD balloon treatment and the Karakoca Valve used for emphysema.
30 years of experience
A pulmonologist since 1996. In 1999, he was one of the founders of a centre in Kocaeli where treatment is carried out with bronchoscopy.
The doctor who developed the method
He developed COPD balloon treatment and the Karakoca Valve used for emphysema.
Consultation in Kavacık
The consultation takes place at the clinic in Kavacık (Beykoz), Istanbul. For patients coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.
THE PROCESS
From preliminary consultation to follow-up: 5 steps
The decision is made together at the consultation. You know in advance what will happen at each step.
01
Preliminary consultation
Contact us by phone or WhatsApp. Send your breathing test and chest CT scan reports in advance.
02
Consultation + tests
You have your consultation at the clinic in Kavacık (Beykoz). Your breathing test and CT scan are reviewed. If possible, everything is done on the same day.
03
Treatment plan
After the consultation, your treatment plan, the expected benefit and the cost are explained to you clearly.
04
Procedure
The procedure is performed at a partner hospital under general anaesthesia and takes about 1 hour. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days.
05
Follow-up visits
You come for follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. For patients from outside Istanbul, follow-up can take place online.
COPD GUIDE
Most searched COPD topics
Plain, up-to-date information for patients and their families. Each page starts with a short answer.
The stages of the disease. What happens at an advanced stage, and what can be done?
Medicines, breathing techniques, exercise and other treatment options.
Who is it given to, and for how many hours a day? Can the need for oxygen decrease?
Options such as new medicines, valve treatment and balloon treatment.
Is something on your mind?
Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients ask most often, with short answers. For all questions, see the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment
Bring your breathing test and lung CT scan reports and a list of your medicines with you. info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul