Open AccessUse of endobronchial valve insertion to treat relapsing pneumothorax: a case report and literature review
Author(s) -
Qi Fei,
Tian Qing,
Chen Liang'an,
Li Chunyan,
Zhang Shu,
Liu Xingchen,
Xiao Binbin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.12355
Subject(s) - medicine , pneumothorax , surgery , bronchoscopy , intensive care medicine
Abstract Backgorund and Aims : Unidirectional endobronchial valves have recently been shown to be beneficial as treatment for persistent air leaks. This report presents a first case of endobronchial valve implantation to treat relapsing pneumothorax in a Chinese patient, and also presents a review of the literature on the use of one‐way valve insertion for the treatment of persistent air leaks. Methods : The patient did undergo a recent but failed chest tube intervention. By bronchoscopy and using Chartis® system measurements, the upper left lobe (including the left apical bronchus) was closed using a catheter. Results : After the expected decrease in airflow following bronchial occlusion, increased air pressure and decreased spilled air were noted; it was concluded that the pneumothorax was located in the left upper lobe. A Zephyr ® endobronchial valve was placed in the left upper apical bronchus. The health benefits of the procedure were noticed in the following days. Conclusion : Our review suggests that the use of endobronchial valves could be used as an effective, minimally invasive, low‐risk intervention for patients with pneumothorax that cannot be treated surgically.