A Novel Therapeutic Approach Using the Combination of Vacuum-assisted Closure System and 1-Way Valve after Open-Window Thoracostomy in Treating Chronic Empyema Complicated by Multiple Bronchopleural Fistulae
Journal
Clinical Pulmonary Medicine
Journal Volume
26
Journal Issue
3
Pages
82-86
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Abstract
Empyema thoracis may be an ancient disease, but it still occurs in present-day thoracic practice. Despite medical and technical progression, pleural infection remains a major health care concern. When empyema thoracis is complicated by bronchopleural fistulae or repeated infections, it becomes a clinical challenge to physicians and can substantially lengthen and complicate a patient's course of treatment. This case report presents a 48-year-old male patient with chronic empyema and multiple bronchopleural fistulae who was effectively treated by a combination of a 1-way valve and vacuum-assisted closure system through open-window thoracostomy. This combination successfully prevented air accumulation beneath the wound dressing, and therefore it was possible to maintain negative pressure, which is essential for the vacuum-assisted closure system to function. ? 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Subjects
1-way valve; bronchopleural fistulae; empyema; open-window thoracostomy; vacuum-assisted closure
SDGs
Other Subjects
amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid; erythromycin; Acinetobacter infection; adult; Article; bronchopleural fistula; case report; clinical article; computer assisted tomography; craniotomy; empyema; hemodynamics; human; male; middle aged; open fracture; respiratory failure; seizure; thoracostomy; thorax surgery; tracheostomy; traffic accident
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Type
journal article