• Rosa Cordovilla, Aldo Mateo Torracchi, Nuria Novoa, Marcelo Jiménez, Jose Luis Aranda, Gonzalo Varela, and Miguel Barrueco.
• Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, España. Electronic address: rcordovilla@usal.es.
• Arch. Bronconeumol. 2015 Jan 1;51(1):10-5.

IntroductionPersistent air leak is frustrating for both patients and physicians, above all leaks with a high risk of surgery. Insertion of endobronchial valves could be an alternative to surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in these valves and analyse their efficacy in a series of patients with persistent air leaks.Material And MethodsThe valves are inserted by means of flexible bronchoscopy under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. A preliminary bronchoscopy identifies the air leak by bronchial occlusion using a balloon catheter. A successful outcome is defined as complete disappearance of the leak following removal of the chest drain, without the need for further surgery.ResultsFrom November 2010 to December 2013, 8 patients with persistent air leaks were treated with endobronchial valves. The number of valves used ranged from 1 to 4 (median 2), with a median duration of air leak prior to placement of 15.5 days. There were no complications and the resolution of the leak was complete in 6 of 8 patients (75%). The median duration of drainage after insertion of the valves was 13 days and the median time to removal of 52.5 days.ConclusionsInsertion of endobronchial valves is a safe and effective method for treating persistent air leaks, and a valid alternative to surgery.Copyright © 2014 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

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