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, ventilatory and gasometric evaluation of an experimental bronchopleural fistula.

Purpose: To investigate the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes associated with the creation of an experimental bronchopleural fistula (BPF) treated by mechanical ventilation and thoracic drainage with or without a water seal.

Methods: Six large white pigs weighing 25 kg each which, after general anesthesia, underwent endotracheal intubation (6mm), and mechanically ventilation. Through a left thoracotomy, a resection of the lingula was performed in order to create a BPF with an output exceeding 50% of the inspired volume.