Management of bronchopleural fistula with endobronchial valve in hybrid operating room following transbronchial microwave ablation

Abstract

Transbronchial microwave ablation for the treatment of lung nodules is gaining popularity. In the present case, transbronchial microwave ablation to a right middle lobe lesion was performed under electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy guidance. It was complicated with pneumothorax and persistent air leak despite chest drainage and chemical pleurodesis. A diagnosis of bronchopleural fistula was reached and an endobronchial valve was implanted to the middle lobe segmental bronchus with almost immediate cessation of air leak. Our case demonstrated that endobronchial valve is safe and effective in managing bronchopleural fistula after transbronchial microwave ablation.

Keywords: Ablation; Bronchopleural fistula; Endobronchial valve; Microwave.