Author/Authors :
Podgaetz, Eitan Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Section of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery - University of Minnesota, USA , Zamora, Felix Division of Pulmonary Allergy Critical Care and Sleep Medicine - University of Minnesota, USA , Gibson, Heidi Endoscopy Department - University of Minnesota, USA , Andrade, Rafael S. Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery - Section of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery - University of Minnesota, USA , Hall, Eric University of Minnesota, USA , Dincer, H. Erhan Division of Pulmonary Allergy Critical Care and Sleep Medicine - University of Minnesota, USA
Abstract :
Background. Prolonged air leak is defined as an ongoing air leak for more than 5 days. Intrabronchial valve (IBV) treatment is
approved for the treatment of air leaks. Objective. To analyze our experience with IBV and valuate its cost-effectiveness. Methods.
Retrospective analysis of IBV from June 2013 to October 2014. We analyzed direct costs based on hospital and operating room
charges. We used average costs in US dollars for the analysis not individual patient data. Results. We treated 13 patients (9 M/4 F),
median age of 60 years (38 to 90). Median time from diagnosis to IBV placement was 9.8 days, time from IBV placement to chest
tube removal was 3 days, and time from IBV placement to hospital discharge was 4 days. Average room and board costs were $14,605
including all levels of care. IBV cost is $2750 per valve. The average number of valves used was 4. Total cost of procedure, valves,
and hospital stay until discharge was $13,900. Conclusion. In our limited experience, the use of IBV to treat prolonged air leaks is
safe and appears cost-effective. In pure financial terms, the cost seems justified for any air leak predicted to last greater than 8 days.
