The airway bypass procedure is performed using a bronchoscope with the patient under anesthesia. Very small passageways are created between the damaged lung tissue and the larger breathing passages (airways). Small stents are inserted to keep the new pathways from closing. These pathways could potentially provide a way for the trapped air to escape when the patient exhales. If the amount of air trapped in the lungs is reduced then it should be easier for the person to breathe.