Description
In this second special joint episode of Thinking Thoracic and the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP), Dr. Erin Gillaspie is joined by interventional pulmonologist Dr. Sameer Avasarala of Case Western Reserve University and infectious disease specialist Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan of Creighton University to discuss the multidisciplinary management of pleural space infections.
"Pleural space infections are a condition where thoracic surgery, interventional pulmonology, and infectious disease intersect probably more than anywhere else in chest medicine."
— Dr. Sameer Avasarala
The conversation emphasizes early recognition, prompt source control, and seamless multidisciplinary collaboration.
Following the clinical course, the panel discusses diagnosis, fluid sampling, targeted antimicrobials, drainage, intrapleural fibrinolytics, and risk stratification. They also explore when to pivot to surgical intervention, including VATS decortication, as well as the management of complex cases such as bronchopleural fistulas.
"Having that multidisciplinary approach, getting your antibiotic stewardship and ID colleagues involved early to help you be part of a team, is really important."
— Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan
