Clinical Research Directory

Thopaz for PALs Evaluation

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.

PATCHVALVE: Endobronchial Valves Plus Blood Patch for Persistent Air Leaks

The goal of this study is to evaluate the real-world safety and effectiveness of combining endobronchial valve (IBV) placement with endobronchial blood patching (EBP) for the treatment of persistent air leaks (PALs) in adult patients undergoing bronchoscopy. PALs are a challenging condition often associated with prolonged hospital stays, increased morbidity, and delayed recovery. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does the combination of endobronchial valve placement and endobronchial blood patching accelerate resolution of persistent air leaks? * What are the procedural outcomes, complications, and hospital-related metrics (e.g., chest tube duration, length of stay, and readmission rates) associated with this technique? Participants will: * Undergo standard-of-care bronchoscopy with identification of air leak source. * Receive intrabronchial instillation of autologous blood and tranexamic acid (TXA) followed by balloon occlusion and endobronchial valve placement. * Be followed for resolution of air leak and post-procedure outcomes through standard inpatient monitoring and data collection.