Detachable balloon occlusion of bronchopleural fistulae in dogs

The use of detachable balloon occlusion in closure of bronchopleural fistulae was investigated in eight dogs. Fistula occlusion could not be achieved in one dog, and the balloon was not large enough to occlude a fistula in a second dog. Satisfactory fistula occlusion was achieved in the remaining six dogs. All fistulae occluded were shown to be satisfactorily healed at ten days. There were no significant sequelae to bronchial occlusion during this period. Detachable balloon occlusion of bronchopleural fistulae has the potential for satisfactory fistula control prior to more definitive surgery.