For the first time worldwide, a novel diaphragmatic valve has been successfully implanted at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Medical University of Vienna to treat benign pleural effusions. This groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure allows continuous drainage of excess fluid from the pleural cavity into the abdominal cavity — eliminating the need for repeated punctures or external drains.
Improving comfort and quality of life with a single procedure
The first two patients have already been successfully treated. Since the implantation, they no longer require punctures and report a significant improvement in their quality of life.
“With this procedure, we can eliminate shortness of breath — the main symptom of pleural effusions — with a single operation,” explains Univ.-Prof. Clemens Aigner, Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna..
In the next step, this innovative method will be evaluated scientifically as part of a prospective clinical study.