Use of the argon beam electrocoagulator for performing pulmonary wedge resections. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The argon beam electrocoagulator (ABC) is a new form of electrocautery that is thought to be more effective than standard electrocautery. It has been used primarily in procedures associated with major blood loss such as liver transplantation and laparotomy for trauma. It has not been used in thoracic operations. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the argon beam electrocoagulator for performing pulmonary wedge resections in an animal model by comparing it with standard electrocautery and suture closure. Variables used to compare the three methods of resection included perioperative blood loss, duration of chest tube air leak, and depth of necrosis and severity of inflammatory reaction in the lung at ten days and 3 weeks after resection. The argon beam electrocoagulator was as effective as standard electrocautery and suture closure in controlling air leaks, and caused less acute tissue injury than standard electrocautery. The argon beam electrocoagulator provides a safe and effective method for performing small pulmonary wedge resections, and should be evaluated in the clinical setting for this purpose.

publication date

  • February 1, 1990

Research

keywords

  • Electrocoagulation
  • Pneumonectomy

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0025217838

PubMed ID

  • 2407204

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 49

issue

  • 2