[Application of heimlich valve drainage to interventional procedure-induced pneumothorax in cancer patients: a report of thirteen cases].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Pneumothorax, usually pure pneumothorax, often occurs during interventional procedures (such as biopsy and percutaneous lung cancer radiofrequency ablation) applied in cancer patients. Traditional treatment of pneumothorax uses a thoracic drainage tube connected to an underwater seal device, and patient needs hospitalization for its huge trauma. Heimlich valve has been used in thoracic drainage for years abroad. This study was to investigate the clinical value of Heimlich valve drainage for interventional procedure-induced pneumothorax in cancer patients.

METHODS

Heimlich valve connected to a chest catheter was used in treating interventional procedure-induced pneumothorax in 13 cancer patients from Mar. 1999 to Feb. 2003.

RESULTS

Of the 13 patients, 6 accepted inpatient management, and 7 accepted outpatient management. The pneumothoraxes of all patients were disappeared 2-3 days after drainage, and the lungs were re-expanded well. No complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Heimlich valve pneumothorax drainage is micro-invasive, easy to perform, and safe, and can be managed in outpatient. It also can achieve good clinical results, and should be recommended when pneumothorax occurs during interventional procedure.