Unidirectional endobronchial valves for management of persistent air-leaks: results of a multicenter study

• DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.10.61
• Publication Date: 2018-11-28T12:31:36Z
• Authors: Alfonso Fiorelli; Antonio D’Andrilli; Roberto Cascone; Luisa Occhiati; Marco Anile; Daniele Diso; Francesco Cassiano; Camilla Poggi; Mohsen Ibrahim; Giacomo Cusumano; Alberto Terminella; Giuseppe Failla; Alba La Sala; Michela Bezzi; Margherita Innocenti; Elena Torricelli; Federico Venuta; Erino Angelo Rendina; Giovanni Vicidomini; Mario Santini; Claudio Andreetti
• Keywords: Pleurodesis; Chest tube

To evaluate the efficacy of Endo-Bronchial Valves in management persistent air-leaks (PALs) and procedural cost.It was a retrospective multicenter study including consecutive patients with PALs for alveolar pleural fistula (APF) undergoing valve treatment. We assessed cost procedure.Seventy-four air leaks due to various etiologies were included analysis. In all cases severe refractory standard treatments. Sixty-seven (91%) underwent treatment obtaining complete resolution 59 (88%) patients; reduction 6 (9%); no benefits 2 (3%). The comparison data before after showed significant air-leak duration (16.2±8.8 versus 5.0±1.7 days; P<0.0001); chest tube removal 7.3±2.7 length hospital stay (LOS) 9.7±2.8 P=0.004). Seven not pneumo-peritoneum pleurodesis (n=6) or only (n=1). 1 (14%) patient, drainage removed 23 days later while remaining (86%) discharged domiciliary 157±41 days. No difference found health endobronchial (EBV) implant (P=0.3).Valve is an effective procedure. hospitalization costs related early could overcome cost.