Off-label use of intrabronchial valves for persistent air leak is safe and effective: a retrospective case analysis

Persistent air leak (PAL) is a challenging clinical problem associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity. Historically, treatment options were limited to thoracostomy tube drainage, pleurodesis, and surgical repair. The development of one-way airway valves has represented a paradigm shift in PAL management. We present our experience using intrabronchial valves (IBVs) for PAL management looking at both on-label (post-thoracic surgery) and off-label (all other) indications.

We performed a retrospective review of our single-center experience. Data collected included demographics, primary pathology leading to PAL, comorbidities, time to chest tube removal, complications, mortality, need for any additional procedure, and time to IBV removal.

During the study period, 15 patients underwent IBV insertion for PAL. The on-label cohort contained three patients (post lobectomy or segmentectomy). The off-label cohort had 12 patients (6 empyema, 4 secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, 1 penetrating trauma, and 1 post percutaneous lung nodule biopsy). In the on-label cohort, chest tube was removed after a mean duration of 4.0±1.0 days for all patients. In the off-label cohort, 83.3% (10/12) had chest tube removal 16.2±5.7 days (P=0.396) after IBV placement. One patient developed hypoxic respiratory failure shortly after IBV insertion, necessitating removal of 2 out of 5 valves.

IBVs are a minimally invasive, well tolerated treatment modality for patients with PAL and a viable alternative to invasive surgical interventions. Procedure or valve-related complications are uncommon. Valves can be removed and do not preclude surgical intervention. Updated guidelines are necessary to formalize PAL management.