Thopaz for PALs Evaluation

Study Summary

Persistent air leaks (PALs) are a common postoperative complication resulting from tears in the visceral pleura or peripheral lung resections. Although highly prevalent with significant consequences, traditional assessment methods lack the capability to objectively quantify air leaks, which further complicates management, results in inconsistent decision making, and prolongs hospital stays. By incorporating the Thopaz+ system, the investigators can introduce a reliable approach to objectively quantify air leaks, potentially improving clinical outcomes. The purpose of this protocol is to perform a pilot prospective controlled clinical trial to evaluate the utility of incorporating the Thopaz+ system and its volume quantification ability in evaluating patients with persistent air leaks (PALs) to guide treatment decisions, specifically endobronchial valves (EBVs). In the targeted cohort, the Thopaz+ will be connected to the chest tube and the data collected will be combined with that of serial balloon occlusion testing with a Fogarty balloon to accurately localize the air leak source, and subsequently consider the correct placement of EBVs. The investigators will thereby determine whether this experimental strategy will yield a more accurate and objective assessment of air leaks, facilitating timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

Primary Outcome

Feasibility will be defined by the ability to obtain continuous, interpretable quantitative air leak volume data (in mL/min) during bronchoscopic evaluation of persistent air leaks. Successful quantification is defined as capturing measurable air leak volume data during serial balloon occlusion in at least one airway segment. The outcome will be reported as the number and percentage of participants with successful measurements out of the total enrolled population.

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DIAGNOSTIC_TEST Persistent air leak quantification

Study Locations (1)