LUNG

Pulmonx Corporation

A maker of minimally invasive devices for people with severe emphysema and COPD, Pulmonx built its business around the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve, a tiny one-way implant placed through a bronchoscope to let trapped air escape from diseased lung lobes so healthier tissue can work. The company was founded in California in 1995 by Dr. Rodney Perkins. Its flagship product takes its name from the Greek word for a gentle west wind — a nod to helping patients breathe more easily.