Abstract

Air leaks after thoracic surgeries have been traditionally managed by the closed thoracotomy tube drainage. In some cases, the leak remains persistent requiring repeated surgical procedures. The IBV^® valve has initially been investigated as an alternative to lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Recently the Food and Drug Administration has approved it in the control of prolonged air leaks, or persistent leaks following lobectomy, segmentectomy, or LVRS. We present a case of a persistent air leak following LVRS that underwent successful placement of IBV^® valve via flexible bronchoscopy under conscious sedation with rapid resolution of the air leak.

Keywords: Air leak, barotrauma, airway, bronchopleural fistula, IBV valve, thoracic surgery.