Silver Nitrate-coated versus Standard Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Malignant Effusions: The SWIFT Randomized Trial.

Tunneled, indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) have been demonstrated to be an effective method of managing malignant pleural effusions. However, they allow pleurodesis and can therefore be removed in only a subset of patients. A novel, silver nitrate-coated IPC was developed with the intention of creating a rapid, effective chemical pleurodesis to allow more frequent and earlier catheter removal.

Efficacy and safety of virtual bronchoscopic navigation with fused fluoroscopy and vessel mapping for access of pulmonary lesions.

Background And Objective: Virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) with fused fluoroscopy and vessel mapping provides a point of entry (POE) for puncturing airway wall to biopsy lesions. The study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technology to diagnose peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Methods: It was a prospective, single-arm, multicentre study.

Augmented Fluoroscopy: A New and Novel Navigation Platform for Peripheral Bronchoscopy.

Background: The diagnosis of lung nodules continues to be a challenge. Confirmed diagnosis allows appropriate treatment for cancers and allows avoidance of more invasive procedures for proven noncancers. Currently, available lung biopsy technologies each have their own limitations, which affect the ability to successfully navigate to a suspicious nodule and to collect a diagnostic sample.

Anchored Transponder Guided Lung Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: The Calypso Beacon transponder has been modified by the addition of a nitinol anchor feature to allow for positional stability when implanted bronchoscopically into the lung. The purpose of this study was to confirm the feasibility and safety of anchored transponder placement and feasibility of lung target localization and tracking.

Methods And Materials: This study enrolled patients with histologically confirmed cancer in the lung (primary or metastatic) who were scheduled to receive external beam radiation therapy.

Intrabronchial Valves for Air Leaks After Lobectomy, Segmentectomy, and Lung Volume Reduction Surgery.

Purpose: Air leaks are common after lobectomy, segmentectomy, and lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). This can increase post-operative morbidity, cost, and hospital length of stay. The management of post-pulmonary resection air leaks remains challenging.

The IBV Valve trial: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial of endobronchial therapy for severe emphysema.

Background: Lung volume reduction surgery improves quality of life, exercise capacity, and survival in selected patients but is accompanied by significant morbidity. Bronchoscopic approaches may provide similar benefits with less morbidity.

Methods: In a randomized, sham procedure controlled, double-blind trial, 277 subjects were enrolled at 36 centers.

Endobronchial valve treatment for prolonged air leaks of the lung: a case series.

Purpose: An endobronchial valve developed for treatment of severe emphysema has characteristics favorable for bronchoscopic treatment of air leaks. We present the results of a consecutive case series treating complex alveolopleural fistula with valves.

Description: Patients with air leaks that persisted after treatment gave consent and compassionate use approval was obtained.