COPD BALLOON TREATMENT · SUITABILITY

Who Is COPD Balloon Treatment For?

Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026

SHORT ANSWER

Balloon treatment is most often considered in advanced, chronic bronchitis-type COPD. In this type, cough and phlegm predominate. Shortness of breath may continue despite regular medicines, oxygen or a breathing machine at home. It is particularly considered in these patients. Older age, using oxygen or smoking is not a barrier on its own. But stopping smoking is part of the treatment. Sometimes shortness of breath is caused mainly by damage to the air sacs (emphysema). In that case, a different treatment (a valve) is considered. The decision is based on the consultation, a breathing test and a chest CT scan.

Who is it considered for?

Chronic bronchitis-type COPD: Cough and phlegm have been present for a long time. On the CT scan, the airway walls may look thickened. Balloon treatment is aimed at this thickening.
If symptoms continue even though the medicines have been optimised: The inhaler is used correctly and regularly. But shortness of breath still limits daily life.
Patients who have frequent flare-ups and whose airways become blocked with mucus.
Patients who are well enough to undergo general anaesthesia: Your heart and lung condition is assessed. For this, the blood gas test and ECG are checked and, if necessary, a cardiologist’s opinion is obtained.
Patients who are determined to stop smoking: Stopping smoking is an integral part of the treatment. See Smoking and COPD.

When is a different plan made?

If emphysema predominates: Damage to the air sacs and air building up in the lungs do not improve with the balloon. In these patients, a valve such as the Karakoca Valve or other methods are considered.
During a flare-up (exacerbation) or a serious infection: This is treated first. The procedure is planned afterwards.
If there are heart problems: For example, uncontrolled heart disease. A serious heart rhythm disorder or a recent heart attack also falls into this group.
If the risk of bleeding is high: There may be a serious bleeding disorder, or it may not be possible to stop blood thinners. The plan is made on an individual basis.
If the general condition is too poor to tolerate the procedure.
If there are large air spaces (bullae) in the lung.

Not a barrier on their own

Age: Older age alone is not a barrier. Your general condition is the deciding factor.
Using oxygen or a breathing machine at home: This is not a barrier.
Stage of COPD: The stage alone does not determine the decision. The type of COPD and symptoms that persist despite medication are assessed together.
Breathing test result: There is no set lower limit. The result is interpreted together with your general condition.
Smoking: On its own it is not a barrier, but stopping smoking is part of the treatment.

What happens at the consultation?

We talk about your symptoms, your flare-ups, your medicines and how you use your inhaler.
A breathing test (lung function test) and an oxygen measurement are done. If needed, a blood gas test is done.
A chest CT scan is used to examine the condition of your airways and air sacs.
If needed, a heart check, blood tests and blood clotting tests are done.
If needed, your airways are examined with a camera (bronchoscope) before the procedure.
The expected benefit, possible risks, other options, the process and the cost are clearly explained to you.

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.

At what stage of COPD is balloon treatment performed?

It is mostly considered in advanced (severe or very severe) COPD. But the stage alone does not determine the decision. Whether cough and phlegm predominate is also important. Symptoms that persist despite medication are also assessed alongside these.

I use an oxygen machine. Am I suitable?

You may be. Using oxygen or a breathing machine at home is not a barrier. A blood gas test and a heart check are done.

I am 80 years old. Is age a barrier?

Not on its own. Your general condition, the condition of your heart and lungs, and the risk of anaesthesia are the deciding factors.

I have emphysema. Can I have balloon treatment?

If emphysema predominates, the balloon is not a suitable method. Options such as a valve placed in the lung are considered. If both are present, the decision is made based on the CT scan and the breathing test.

I cannot stop smoking. Can I still have the treatment?

Smoking alone is not a barrier. But stopping smoking is part of the treatment. Continuing to smoke may reduce the benefit. We give you support to help you stop.

I have heart disease. Can I still have the treatment?

If your heart disease is under control, the procedure can be planned based on a cardiologist’s opinion. Heart disease that is not under control increases the risk.

What happens if I am not suitable?

Together, we plan the option that is most suitable for you. This may be adjusting your medicines. It may also be a breathing exercise and walking programme, or an oxygen plan. If you have emphysema, valve treatment may be considered.

APPOINTMENT

Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment

To book an appointment for a consultation, call +90 530 337 85 95. Bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be arranged. The decision is made at the consultation.

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

This page is for information purposes. Suitability can only be determined by a medical examination.

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

+90 530 337 85 95