Evidence of Efficacy of Intrabronchial Valves for Persistent Air leak

Abstract

The management of persistent air leaks remains a common and challenging clinical problem. The introduction of intrabronchial valves has offered an alternative intervention for air-leak management; however, the efficacy of these valves remains unclear. Numerous case reports and case series currently exist as well as some larger trials; however, many remained plagued with shortcomings of retrospective, often single-center descriptions. Within this review, we attempt to describe the history of intrabronchial valves, the current intrabronchial valve systems available for use, and the current literature available evaluating intrabronchial valve use.