Back to 2025 Thoracic Abstracts
Minimally Invasive Precision Closure Of Bronchopleural Fistulas Using Vascular Plugs
Gongmin Rim, Kwanyong Hyun.
The Catholic University of Korea St.Vincent's Hospital, Suwon, Korea, Republic of.
Background: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a serious postoperative complication of thoracic surgery, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditional surgical treatments, though effective, are highly invasive, creating a demand for minimally invasive alternatives. The Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP), widely used for vascular embolization, has emerged as a potential solution for BPF closure.
Methods: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP II and IV) for bronchoscopic closure of BPFs in three male patients following lobectomy or pneumonectomy. AVP II was utilized for fistulas larger than 6 mm, while AVP IV was employed for fistulas smaller than 6 mm. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia in a hybrid operating room, combining flexible bronchoscopy with fluoroscopic guidance.
Results: Successful fistula closure was achieved in all three cases without any complications. Follow-up over a median of 11 months (range: 3-22 months) confirmed stable device positioning, significant clinical improvement, and no mortality within 90 days.
Conclusions: Bronchoscopic closure of BPFs using AVPs is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive approach, offering a promising alternative to traditional surgery, especially for high-risk patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and expand the scope of its clinical application.
Legend Fig.1. Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) following right lower lobectomy. (A) Endoscopic examination showing a fistula approximately 6 mm in size. (B) Implantation of an Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) at the right lower lobe BPF stump.
Back to 2025 Thoracic Abstracts
