ABSTRACT
Bronchopleural fistula may be treated by medical, endoscopic, and surgical techniques, but large fistulas remain a challenge to be closed using endoscopic techniques. We describe the endoscopic closure of a bronchial total fistula with the Occlutech Figulla ASD N device (International Occlutech AB, Helsingborg, Sweden), originally designed for closure of an atrial septal defect. The procedure was conducted without general anesthesia or rigid bronchoscopy, bronchography, or radioscopy. An immediate reduction in the air leak was observed and also later on bronchoscopy, as the device was almost covered by granulation tissue. The endobronchial technique described seems to be safe and effective to manage large bronchopleural fistulas.
Subject(s)
Bronchial Fistula/surgery , Bronchoscopy/methods , Fistula/surgery , Pleural Diseases/surgery , Postoperative Complications/surgery , Prostheses and Implants , Prosthesis Implantation/methods , Chest Tubes , Empyema, Pleural/surgery , Fistula/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pneumonectomy , Prosthesis Design , Pulmonary Aspergillosis/surgery , Radiography , Reoperation/methodsABSTRACT
Bronchopleural fistula may be treated by medical, endoscopic, and surgical techniques, but large fistulas remaina challenge to be closed using endoscopic techniques. We describe the endoscopic closure of a bronchial totalfistula with the Occlutech Figulla ASD N device (International Occlutech AB, Helsingborg, Sweden), originallydesigned for closure of an atrial septal defect. The procedure was conducted without general anesthesia or rigid bronchoscopy, bronchography, or radioscopy. An immediate reduction in the air leak was observed and alsolater on bronchoscopy, as the device was almost covered by granulation tissue. The endobronchial technique described seems to be safe and effective to manage large bronchopleuralfistulas.
