Use of autologous blood patch for prolonged air leak in spontaneous pneumothoraces in the adolescent population.

Instillation of an autologous blood patch for prolonged air leak (PAL) in chest tube system has been studied and determined to be a safe and effective treatment plan for adults. The current recommended treatment guidelines for a PAL in adolescent secondary to a spontaneous pneumothorax are surgical intervention. This paper serves as documentation of two case reports with successful treatment of PALs with autologous blood patch in two adolescent patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]