COPD BALLOON TREATMENT · EFFECTIVENESS

How Effective Is COPD Balloon Treatment?

Author/medical reviewer: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026

SHORT ANSWER

The aim of balloon treatment is to make breathing easier by opening narrowed airways. In suitable patients, shortness of breath may decrease and the need for oxygen may fall after treatment. Walking, climbing stairs and everyday tasks may become easier. How much you will benefit depends on the type and stage of your disease. We discuss this together at the consultation.

The aim of the treatment

In COPD, the inner lining of the airways can thicken and fill with mucus. This is an important cause of shortness of breath. Balloon treatment aims to open up this narrowing. When the airway widens, breathing may become easier.

What may change in everyday life?

In suitable patients, the following may be seen after treatment:

Shortness of breath may decrease: You may find it less of a struggle to walk, climb stairs or get dressed.
The need for oxygen may fall: The oxygen level in your blood may rise. Your doctor decides whether to reduce your oxygen based on your follow-up measurements. Related: Oxygen therapy.
You may be able to walk for longer: As your breathing eases, everyday tasks and walking may become easier.

How much you will benefit varies from person to person. It depends on the type and stage of your COPD and on any other conditions you have. We discuss this together at the consultation.

When is the effect assessed?

The effect of the treatment is reviewed together at the follow-up visits at 1 week and 1 month. COPD is a long-term disease. For this reason, how long the relief lasts varies from person to person. Stopping smoking, having your vaccinations and using your medicines regularly help the relief to last.

No incision, no permanent device, short hospital stay

The procedure is done through the mouth. It does not require a skin incision, stitches or a chest tube. No permanent device is left in the body. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days. This may take longer depending on your general condition. For this reason, it may also be considered in older people and in people with other chronic diseases.

Alongside medicines, can be repeated if necessary

Balloon treatment does not replace bronchodilator medicines, oxygen, vaccines or breathing exercises. It is used together with them. As no device is left in the body, the procedure can be repeated if this is found to be necessary at follow-up visits.

Who may benefit most?

Patients who may benefit	Situations in which a different treatment is considered
COPD in which cough and phlegm predominate (chronic bronchitis)	COPD in which damage to the air sacs predominates (emphysema) → valve treatment
Patients whose shortness of breath continues despite medicines, oxygen or a breathing machine at home	Patients whose medicines have not yet been optimised → the medicines are optimised first
Patients with advanced COPD	A flare-up (exacerbation) or a serious infection → this is treated first
Patients who are determined to stop smoking	Uncontrolled heart disease → heart assessment first

You can find the results of scientific studies on the method on the Scientific studies page.

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT

Is it suitable for you?

Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.

Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

Scientific studies →

HAVE A QUESTION?

Frequently asked questions

The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.

How effective is COPD balloon treatment?

How long will it take for my shortness of breath to ease?

The effect of the treatment is reviewed at the follow-up visits at 1 week and 1 month. How much and how soon your shortness of breath decreases varies from person to person.

Will I be able to stop using my oxygen machine?

In suitable patients, the need for oxygen may decrease. Your doctor decides whether to reduce or stop your oxygen. This decision is based on your blood gas test and follow-up measurements.

Can the problem come back after the procedure?

Balloon treatment aims to open narrowed airways. However, COPD is a long-term disease. How long the relief lasts varies from person to person. Stopping smoking helps this relief to last longer. Having your flu and pneumococcal vaccines and using your medicines regularly also help. We monitor your condition together at the follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. As no device is left in the body, the procedure can be repeated if necessary.

Will I be able to walk for longer?

As shortness of breath decreases, walking and everyday tasks may become easier. At follow-up visits, we also look at your walking together.

How is it different from surgery?

The procedure is done through the mouth. No incision is made and no device is left in the body. Patients usually go home within 1–2 days.

APPOINTMENT

Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment

To find out whether it is suitable for you, book an appointment for a consultation. Also bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. Phone/WhatsApp: +90 530 337 85 95.

info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul

This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.

Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026

+90 530 337 85 95