Adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve in experimental bronchopleural fistula. A new therapeutic perspective.

PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve in experimental bronchopleural fistula during mechanical ventilation. METHODS We studied six mechanically ventilated pigs in a surgically created, reproducible model of bronchopleural fistula managed with mechanical ventilation and water-sealed thoracic drainage. An adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve was placed between the thoracic drain and the endotracheal tube. Hemodynamic data, capnography and blood gases were recorded before and after the creation of the bronchopleural fistula as well as after every adjustment of the inspiratory occlusion valve. RESULTS When compared with the standard water-sealed drainage treatment, the use of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve improved the alveolar tidal volume and reduced bronchopleural air leak (p<0.001), without hemodynamic compromise when compared with conventional water sealed drainage. CONCLUSION The use of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve improved the alveolar tidal volume, reduced alveolar leak, in an experimental reproducible model of bronchopleural fistula, without causing any hemodynamic derangements when compared with conventional water sealed drainage.