Bronchopleural fistula closure

Q: In patients with Broncho-pleural Fistula (BPF), if treatment via interventional bronchoscopy is taken, what is the cutoff point to use devices instead of only occlusive materials? 

 A) BPF ≥ 3 mm 
 B) BPF ≥ 5 mm 
 C) BPF ≥ 8 mm 
 D) BPF at the proximal level 
 E) C and D


Answer: E

When it comes to treating BPF via interventional bronchoscopy, there are two criteria to decide between using occlusive materials or devices such as stents, Amplatzer devices or combining them with sealants is 

•  BPF ≥8 mm, and/or 
• proximal fistulas (level of a major bronchus)

#interventional-pulmonary



References:

1. Hollaus PH, Lax F, Janakiev D, et al. Endoscopic treatment of postoperative bronchopleural fistula: experience with 45 cases. Ann Thorac Surg 1998; 66:923.

2. Hartmann W, Rausch V. New therapeutic application of the fiberoptic bronchoscope. Chest 1977; 71:237.