A specific instrument to facilitate thoracoscopic ligation

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

• The thoracic cavity's rigid structure is suitable for minimally invasive surgery, potentially avoiding CO2 insufflation.
• Conventional laparoscopic surgery relies on CO2 insufflation, which can be cumbersome.
• Previous work established a novel ligation technique for minithoracotomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt a novel ligation technique for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
• To modify conventional right-angle forceps for VATS intercostal access.
• To introduce a cost-effective and efficient surgical instrument for VATS.

Main Methods:

• Modification of conventional right-angle forceps structure and usage.
• Facilitating instrument passage through a trocar or VATS intercostal access.
• Clinical performance evaluation of the modified instrument.

Main Results:

• The modified instrument successfully accommodates VATS procedures.
• The device allows access via trocar or intercostal ports, avoiding rib-spreading minithoracotomy.
• Clinical performance indicates it is a cheaper and superior alternative to existing products.

Conclusions:

• The modified right-angle forceps are suitable for VATS.
• This innovation offers a significant improvement for manual ligation in VATS.
• The new device presents a cost-effective advancement in thoracic surgical practice.