Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2017; 65(01): 065-069
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1586722
Short Communication
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Ultrasonic Technology for Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Alfonso Fiorelli
1   Thoracic Surgery Unit, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
,
Antonio Mazzella
1   Thoracic Surgery Unit, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
,
Marina Accardo
2   Anatomic Pathology Unit, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
,
Mario Santini
1   Thoracic Surgery Unit, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 April 2016

07 July 2016

Publication Date:
12 September 2016 (online)

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Abstract

To manage primary spontaneous pneumothorax, we use an alternative technique for bleb resection and we induce pleurodesis with an ultrasonic-driven scalpel. This technique was successfully performed in nine consecutive patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax with small (<20 mm) and limited number of blebs (<2) and without significant underlying lung disease. After identification of air leakage, the jaws of the instrument were clamped onto the bleb and included a margin of normal lung. Power level 3 energy was applied to resect the bleb and to seal the parenchyma. Finally, the parietal pleura was partially scarified using the same instrument to achieve pleurodesis. Histologic findings showed complete sealing of the resection line by coagulative tissue.