Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 66(07): 603-606
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603622
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Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Management of Persistent Air Leaks with Intrabronchial Valves

Matthias Hecker
1   Medical Clinic II (Pulmonology/Critical Care Medicine), University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
*   Both authors contributed equally to this work.
,
Andreas Hecker
2   Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
*   Both authors contributed equally to this work.
,
Konstantin Mayer
1   Medical Clinic II (Pulmonology/Critical Care Medicine), University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
,
Biruta Witte
2   Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

04 February 2017

29 April 2017

Publication Date:
05 June 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Persistent air leaks (PALs) are regarded as a frequent complication after thoracic surgery resulting in prolonged hospitalization and increased morbidity. Several more or less invasive therapeutic approaches are available for treatment of PAL with varying degrees of success. The endoscopic placement of one-way intrabronchial valves in the segment(s) in which the air leak has been located offers a highly effective and well-tolerated minimal invasive option for patients with PAL.