[Use of the bipolar vessel sealing system in lung resection].

UNLABELLED Numerous methods exist to separate incomplete fissure and attain homeostasis in lung surgery. A new device was evaluated for dividing lung parenchyma and creating homeostasis in animal and lung cancer patients. METHODS The LigaSure vessel sealing system was utilized in animal to divide lung parenchyma (1 cm, 3 cm, and 5 cm) and close 3 or 4 mm pulmonary arteries. This bipolar sealing instrument was also used in human to divide incomplete fissure and close small pulmonary arteries. RESULTS No air leakage were seen when device was used in animal to divided less than 3 cm lung parenchyma, even if air way pressure was elevated to 30 cmH2O. No bleeding were seen when the devise applied to small pulmonary arteries in animal, even when pulmonary arterial pressure was elevated to 75/17 mmHg using 10 gamma dopamine. This devise was also useful in human to divide incomplete fissure without a significant air leakage and to close small pulmonary arteries. CONCLUSION The LigaSure sealing system represents a significant advance in dividing the incomplete fissure less than 3 cm, and sufficient homeostasis in close pulmonary arteries smaller than 3 or 4 mm. Results of this evaluation indicate the LigaSure system is a variable alternative to autosure device or clips in pulmonary resection.