Intrathoracic Vacuum-Assisted Management of Persistent and Infected Pleural Spaces

Purpose. This study was designed to assess the use of the intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of persistent and infected pleural spaces. Description. Five patients with a persistent and infected pleural space after pulmonary resection underwent intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management to reduce the duration and frequency of dressing changes and to accelerate the formation of granulation tissue and the obliteration of the pleural space. Three patients also underwent a pleural space filling procedure. Evaluation. Resolution of the infection or complete obliteration of the pleural space, or both, was in all patients achieved using fewer dressing changes than with traditional methods. No major complications related to the vacuum-assisted management were reported. Conclusions. The use of intrathoracic vacuum-assisted management of a persistent and infected pleural space after lung resection may reduce the duration and frequency of dressing changes necessary to allow spontaneous chest closure or a space filling procedure. Its use may decrease patient discomfort and contribute to a faster resolution of the infectious process.