Editorial: the movement towards airway valves for the treatment of persistent air leaks

Alveolar-pleural fistulas (APF) are pathologic communications between the alveoli and pleural space. These communications can occur from pneumothoraces, pulmonary infections, trauma, malignancies, and complications of thoracic surgery. Development of an APF may result in a persistent airleak (PAL), which allows air entering the lungs to continuously pass into the pleural space. The presence of an APF or a PAL is associated with significant morbidity, increased mortality, and prolonged hospitalizations (1-3).