Endobronchial occlusion method of bronchopleural fistula with metallic coils and glue

Abstract

We describe our technique for endobronchial occlusion of bronchopleural fistula (BPF) with metallic coils and glue through a fiber-optic bronchoscope under local anesthesia. After anchoring the vascular embolization coils at the fistula bronchus, cyanoacrylate glue was sprayed. The sprayed glue obliterates gaps between the coils and stabilizes them. This procedure successfully occluded fistula bronchus except in one post-pneumonectomy case of large fistula. This method may be one of therapeutic options for BPF, especially in patients at high risk for curative surgery under general anesthesia.