What Happens to Patients Who are Discharged from the Hospital with a Heimlich Valve and Prolonged Airlead after Lung Resection?

This presentation addresses the challenge of managing prolonged air leaks following lung resection. The speaker discusses a strategy involving Heimlich valves for early discharge, aiming to reduce hospital stay. A retrospective analysis reveals an increasing adoption of this strategy but highlights a high readmission rate (25%) and a significant incidence of empyema (17%).

To address these concerns, a prospective clinical trial is proposed, focusing on two interventions: prophylactic antibiotics and intensified monitoring. Preliminary data from 16 enrolled patients underscore the need for a collaborative, multi-center approach to achieve the target enrollment of 560 patients. The trial aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing postoperative care and improving patient outcomes.