[Possibilities of using plasma flow in lung surgery]

Experiments on 10 mongrel dogs demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of argon plasma flux in achieving hemo- and aerostasis in surgical debridement of gunshot wounds of the chest "Fakel" plasma surgical complexes were used as a source of plasma. A total of 43 operations were performed on patients whose ages ranged from 16 to 68 years: pulmonectomy 3, lobectomy 24, bilobectomy 4, atypical resection of the lung 4, pleurectomy with lung decortication 5, diagnostic thoracotomy 2, rib resection 1. Argon plasma flux was used in thoracotomy, treatment of wound surfaces of the lungs and pleura, separation of the interlobar fissures, and division of the main and lobar bronchi. The plasma flux produced an analgesic effect; as a result much less narcotics and analgesics were needed and physical activity was permitted earlier. The amount of discharge from the pleural cavity along the drain was 1.5-2 times less (200 +/- 40 ml) as compared to that in the traditional methods for conducting similar operations. No complications associated with application of plasma flux were noted. Incompetence of the bronchial stump, rethoracotomy for bleeding or suppuration were not encountered.