Total anatomic vascular dissection for lobectomy by using only energy devices

The introduction of ultrasonic energy into surgical dissecting devices was a technological breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery in the 1990s. Nowadays, the modern ultrasonic coagulation shears are used very often during video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The most frequent use is for the lymph node dissection but these devices can be used even for vascular dissection. Some authors recommend avoiding the use of ultrasound energy near vascular structures to prevent thermal injuries from ultrasonic coagulation shears. However, energy devices are very safe in expert hands and the vascular dissection can be performed safely. These devices offer cutting, coagulation, dissecting, and grasping all in a single system. The versatility and safety profiles make ultrasonic energy a compelling technology to consider for VATS lobectomy.

In this video we show an uniportal VATS right lower lobectomy in where the total anatomic hilar dissection was performed by using only ultrasound energy devices (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Total anatomic vascular dissection for lobectomy by using only ultrasound coagulation shears (1). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/603

Acknowledgements

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Informed Consent: Written informed consent was obtained from the patient. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the Editor-in-Chief of this journal.

References

1. Gonzalez-Rivas D. Total anatomic vascular dissection for lobectomy by using only ultrasound coagulation shears. Asvide 2015;2:060. Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/603