Autologous blood patch pleurodesis is a minimally invasive bedside procedure used to treat persistent air leaks (PALs), especially following pneumothorax, lung surgery, or barotrauma from mechanical ventilation. It involves instilling the patient’s own blood into the pleural space via the intercostal drain (ICD) to promote sealing of the air leak by forming a fibrin clot.
Persistent air leak (>5–7 days) through chest tube
Postoperative air leak (e.g., lobectomy, wedge resection)
Spontaneous pneumothorax with ongoing bubbling
Air leak in non-surgical or critically ill patients not suitable for OR
PALs in mechanically ventilated patients
Simple, bedside, and effective method for persistent air leaks.
Ideal for patients who are poor surgical candidates.
Requires a functioning chest tube and strict asepsis.
Typically successful in 1–3 applications if done properly.