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Use of Amplatzer Device for Endobronchial Closure of Bronchopleural Fistulas^*

^* From the Pulmonary Institute (Drs. Kramer, Peled, Shitrit, Shlomi, and Amital) and the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dr. Saute), Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqwa, Israel; and the Department of Pediatric Cardiology (Drs. Atar and Bruckheimer), Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqwa, Israel.

Correspondence to: Mordechai R. Kramer, MD, FCCP, Pulmonary Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqwa 49 100, Israel; e-mail: kramerm{at}netvision.net.il

Bronchopulmonary fistula (BPF) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It occurs as an uncommon but often severe complication of pneumonectomy. BPF may be treated by a range of surgical and medical techniques, including chest drain, Eloesser muscle flap, omental flap, transsternal bronchial closure, thoracoplasty, and prolonged therapy with antibiotic regimens. The use of bronchoscopy has been reported for the delivery of biological glue, coils, covered stents, and sealants. In this work, we describe a novel method of BPF closure using the Amplatzer device, which is commonly used for transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects.

Key Words: Amplatzer • bronchopleural fistula • endobronchial