AATS 2026 Symposium: Session 1 of 3 with Kai E. Swenson

This e-learning module is based on the first presentation from the Medela-sponsored AATS 2026 Symposium, Advances in Air Leak Management and Drainage Systems in Pulmonary, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery.

In this session, Kai E. Swenson, MD (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA) explores the clinical challenges of managing persistent air leaks and the evolving role of digital chest drainage systems in pulmonary care. Learners will examine how real-time, quantitative air leak measurement can support accurate diagnosis, aid bronchoscopic leak localization, guide endobronchial valve placement, and inform treatment decisions. Through clinical case examples, the session demonstrates how objective air leak monitoring can enhance clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for patients with prolonged air leaks.

Key learning topics:

• Challenges associated with the diagnosis and management of persistent air leaks
• The role of digital chest drainage systems in quantitative air leak measurement
• Using objective air leak data to support bronchoscopic leak localization
• How digital monitoring can guide endobronchial valve placement and treatment planning
• The clinical value of data-driven decision-making in pulmonary air leak management

Continue the symposium series:

• Session 2: Emerging Trends and Clinical Outlook in Drainage and Air Leak Monitoring with Sebastien Gilbert 
• Session 3: Cost-effectiveness of Analog vs. Digital Drainage Systems in Cardiac Surgery with Johannes Petersen