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Autologous "blood patch" pleurodesis for persistent pulmonary air leak
R Dumire1, M M Crabbe, F G Mappin
1Department of Surgery, USAF Medical Center, Wright-Patterson, OH.
Chest
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Persistent pulmonary air leaks are challenging. Autologous blood patch pleurodesis offers a simple, effective treatment for prolonged air leaks, especially in patients unsuitable for surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Interventional Pulmonology
Background:
- Persistent pulmonary air leaks complicate recovery after thoracic surgery or trauma.
- Current management options like prolonged suction or chemical pleurodesis have limitations.
- Surgical repair (thoracotomy) is not always feasible for all patients.
Observation:
- Two cases of prolonged air leak were successfully treated.
- Patients were not candidates for conventional thoracotomy.
- Treatment involved an autologous blood patch pleurodesis.
Findings:
- Autologous blood patch pleurodesis provided immediate and successful treatment.
- This method was effective in resolving persistent air leaks.
- The procedure was simple, painless, and inexpensive in these cases.
Implications:
- Autologous blood patch pleurodesis presents a viable alternative for managing persistent air leaks.
- It may be particularly beneficial for patients with contraindications to thoracotomy.
- Further investigation into this minimally invasive technique is warranted.