UCI Health, a medical center of California, has devised a new procedure for treating severe COPD patients. The novel procedure, which doesn’t require major surgical interventions, was approved by the USFDA under their “Breakthrough Devices” status.

Under the new procedure, the doctors said, the endobronchial treatment places tiny valves in the airways as it relieves pressure and helps patients breathe easier.

The hospital said that UCI Health doctors Javier Longoria and Niral Patel are the first and only providers in Orange County to offer endobronchial valve replacement.