Endobronchial Valves for Challenging Persistent Air Leaks in Bronchopleural Fistula: A Case Series

Abstract

Pneumothorax occurs when air escapes from the lungs and enters the space between the lungs and the pleural space, for which there are many reasons for this defect. There are many treatments from the past to the present that are not currently satisfactory for patients. In recent years, endobronchial valve has been used and in this study, this valve has been used for 5 patients. In all patients, a silicone valve with a size of 8-10 was used and on average, each patient had about 7 days of valving. Three out of 5 patients had underlying diseases and in the end all patients were satisfied with the type of treatment. According to the results of recent studies, it seems that a potential trial to evaluate the management of air leakage after lung resection as well as traumatic, pathological and spontaneous pneumothorax is necessary to evaluate the management of air leakage.