What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore the use of endobronchial valves for managing persistent air leaks secondary to necrotising pneumonia.

March 14, 2026Open Access

Simultaneous Bilateral Endobronchial Valve Insertion for Management of Persistent Air Leaks Secondary to Necrotising Pneumonia

Key Points

To explore the use of endobronchial valves for managing persistent air leaks secondary to necrotising pneumonia.
Case report of a patient with bilateral persistent air leaks
Simultaneous bilateral endobronchial valve placement
Assessment of clinical outcomes after intervention
Successful closure of air leaks post-EBV insertion
Patient remained in critical condition during management
Demonstrated feasibility and clinical efficacy of the approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pneumothorax is an abnormal communication between the tracheobronchial tree and the pleural space either as a result of a broncho‐pleural fistula or an alveolo‐pleural fistula. When the air leak from these fistulae persists beyond 5 days it is defined as a persistent air leak (PAL). Whilst surgical repair remains the standard of care, endobronchial valves (EBVs), established for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), are emerging as a minimally invasive alternative. Current data supporting the use of EBVs in PAL are limited to case reports and small retrospective case series. This report details a rare case of bilateral PAL secondary to necrotising pneumonia in a critical ill patient, successfully managed with simultaneous bilateral EBV placement, highlighting the feasibility and clinical efficacy of this approach.

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