A customized multimodality approach for prolonged air leaks (PAL) in mechanically ventilated patients

ARDS in general and severe COVID ARDS (CARDS) is particularly associated with high rates of barotrauma. Two cases with severe CARDS developed bilateral pneumothorax with persistent air leak (PAL). Conservative management with prolonged chest tube drainage did not help in PAL resolution and both patients continued to be on high-end ventilatory support. The course was further complicated by the presence of septic shock. The 1st patient was taken up for a challenging procedure after spending 23 days on the mechanical ventilator. Diagnostic pleuroscopy revealed left-sided bullae and a surgical staple bullectomy was done. The right side showed a large bronchopleural fistula (BPF) on pleuroscopy, which was occluded using a customized endobronchial silicone blocker (CESB, described in 2018). This led to the reduction and finally, resolution of the bilateral PAL with subsequent removal of chest drains and weaning off the ventilator and oxygen. The second patient was managed with 2 CESB devices for occlusion of RUL anterior and posterior segment fistulae, followed by chest drain removal. These cases highlight effective out-of-the-box multimodality treatment using a combination of interventional pulmonary techniques and surgical stapling for a life-threatening bilateral PAL secondary to CARDS.