Endobronchial valves placement for persistent air leaks in critically ill patients: chest tube removal and competing risk of death
This retrospective cohort study evaluated endobronchial valve placement for the management of persistent air leaks in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation or high-flow oxygen support. Endobronchial valve therapy was associated with rapid resolution of air leaks, with most patients achieving chest tube removal within two weeks and a median chest tube duration of 7.5 days after valve placement. The procedure demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no life-threatening procedure-related complications reported. These findings suggest that endobronchial valves may be an effective chest drain management strategy for facilitating earlier chest tube removal in high-risk patients with alveolar-pleural or bronchiolar-pleural fistulas, although prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
All Papers »