Abstract
Introduction: The Rocket Pleural Vent (PV) is an 8F thoracic decompression device allowing patients to be discharged with the device until pneumothorax (PTX) resolution. The outcome from 26 patients treated with a PV is presented.
Methods: PV were analysed in a 2 year audit into the management of pleural disease. PTX size was measured at the hilum (using Carestream). PV were inserted only by the respiratory team during routine hours, patients managed outside of this time frame were managed with a standard 12 F drain. Success was defined as removal of the PV without re-accumulation of the PTX at discharge. Patients were followed up routinely for 3 months’. No randomisation was used.
Results: Indications for PV 8 received a PV for a primary PTX, 13 for a secondary & 5 for a post biopsy ptx.
Average length of stay (LOS)
The mean LOS in our hospital for PTX was 5.31 days. The mean LOS for patients treated with a PV was 1.46 days
Outpatient utilisation
A mean of 3.69 clinic visits required
Outcomes
16/26 patients had a successful outcome. 17/26 had a PTX <50mm (14/17 had a successful outcome). 9/26 had a PTX >50mm, 6/9 had a failed outcome.
Average size of PTX
The mean size of PTX at the hilum in patients treated with a PV was 47mm. (Primary 20.3, Secondary 62.2 and iatrogenic 37mm). Apex-Cupola measurements were the same between groups (66 vs 70mm)
Role of CT imaging
CT imaging was abnormal in 9/16 patients in the successful group & 9/10 patients in the unsuccessful group.
Complications: 1 PV blocked and required a 12F drain. Other than failure, no complications were recorded.
Discussion: This data supports the use of the PV in the managment of spontaneous & iatrogenic pneumothoraces < 5cm. We suggest not using the PV in PTX > 50mm due to the greater risk of failure
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2019; 54: Suppl. 63, PA615.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2019