BRONCHOPLEURAL FISTULA - SUCCESSFUL SELECTIVE BRONCHIAL OCCLUSION WITH A FOGARTYS CATHETER IN A PRETERM INFANT

A preterm infant (26 weeks' gestation) mechanically ventilated for res piratory distress syndrome developed severe interstitial emphysema of the right lung with a bronchopleural fistula, pneumothorax and mediast inal shift. Selective occlusion of the right main bronchus with a Foga rty's catheter produced rapid improvement in the clinical condition an d radiological features. Occlusion of the main bronchus in a newborn w ith a bronchopleural fistula and pulmonary interstitial emphysema is a n easily performed manoeuvre that can be life-saving.