Bronchoscopic lung insufflation for post-transplant lobar atelectasis: Efficacy and a rare complication of cerebral gas embolism.

Bronchoscopic lung insufflation (BLI) allows re-expansion of collapsed lung lobes after transplantation. Among 254 transplant cases at our center, two patients underwent BLI for lobar atelectasis. Case 1 had recurrent right middle-lobe collapse after initial recovery, and BLI under conscious sedation led to durable re-expansion without complications. Case 2 underwent BLI for right upper-lobe atelectasis but developed transient neurological deficits due to presumed cerebral gas embolism, despite initial re-expansion. Full recovery was achieved with supportive care. These cases highlight BLI as an effective treatment for post-transplant atelectasis, although rare but serious complications require careful monitoring.

Duke Scholars

Author Hiroshi Date Surgery, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery