Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2011; 59(8): 509-510
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270758
Case Reports
Thoracic
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endobronchial Valve for Secondary Pneumothorax in a Severe Emphysema Patient

M. Schiavon1 , G. Marulli1 , A. Zuin1 , S. Nicotra1 , F. Di Chiara1 , F. De Filippis1 , U. Fantoni2 , F. Rea1
  • 1Thoracic and Cardiovascular Sciences – Thoracic Surgery Division, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
  • 2Thoracic and Cardiovascular Sciences – Respiratory Disease Division, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

received November 30, 2010

accepted December 13, 2010

Publication Date:
25 March 2011 (online)

Abstract

Secondary pneumothorax represents a challenging problem in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, due to their compromised health status. In this case, an endobronchial one-way valve was inserted in the left lower lobe by flexible bronchoscopy, resulting in a complete resolution of air leak and lung reexpansion. Endobronchial valve could represent a new option for the management of persistent air leak in patients not suitable for surgical procedures.

References

  • 1 Feller-Kopman D, Bechara R, Garland R. Use of a removable endobronchial valve for the treatment of bronchopleural fistula.  Chest. 2006;  130 273-275
  • 2 Watanabe S, Watanabe T, Urayama H. Endobronchial occlusion method of bronchopleural fistula with metallic coils and glue.  Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003;  51 (2) 106-108
  • 3 Wood D E, McKenna Jr R J, Yusen R D. A multicenter trial of an intrabronchial valve for treatment of severe emphysema.  J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007;  133 (1) 65-73
  • 4 Toma T P, Min Kon O, Oldfield W. Reduction of persistent air leak with endoscopic valve implants.  Thorax. 2007;  62 830-833
  • 5 Wan I Y, Toma T P, Geddes D M. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for end-stage emphysema: report on the first 98 patients.  Chest. 2006;  129 (3) 518-526

Dr. Marco Schiavon

Thoracic and Cardiovascular Sciences – Thoracic Surgery Division
University of Padua

Via Giustiniani, 2

35128 Padua

Italy

Phone: +39 34 75 64 29 01

Fax: +39 04 98 21 78 82

Email: marco.schiavon@unipd.it