Use of the heimlich valve to shorten hospital stay after lung reduction surgery for emphysema

摘要: Background. Prolonged air leak is the major complication after lung reduction surgery for emphysema and determinant of hospital length stay. Methods. Twenty-five 107 patients (24%) (mean age, 66 years) with an average forced expiratory volume in 1 second 0.55 L experienced a prolonged (>5 days) surgery. These persistent leaks were treated by replacing chest drainage system Heimlich valves to facilitate earlier discharge even though 64% had apical spaces that measured 7 cm. Results. mean postoperative stay 9.1 days. Chest tubes then removed 7.7 days later. All resolved, there no deaths, empyemas, or pneumonias. Conclusions. In conclusion, use valve operation was associated minimal morbidity shortened 46%. This study demonstrates important concept management these patients—do not suction on severely emphysematous lung.