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Simulation of the fissureless technique for thoracoscopic segmentectomy using rapid prototyping
Tadashi Akiba1, Takeo Nakada, Takuya Inagaki
1Department of Surgery, The Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan.
Summary
The fissureless technique for lung surgery avoids dissecting lung tissue near the pulmonary artery. Three-dimensional models aided in simulating this novel approach for thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Innovation
- 3D Modeling in Medicine
Background:
- The fissureless lobectomy technique offers an alternative to traditional methods by avoiding dissection of lung parenchyma over the pulmonary artery.
- This novel surgical approach is particularly indicated for patients with fused lobes, simplifying complex anatomical situations.
- Traditional thoracoscopic surgery and open thoracotomy approaches can involve significant parenchymal dissection, posing risks.
Observation:
- Two cases of thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy are presented, utilizing the fissureless technique.
- Three-dimensional (3D) pulmonary models were employed to simulate the surgical procedure.
- These 3D models facilitated a precise understanding of the operative field's complex anatomy.
Findings:
- The fissureless technique was successfully simulated using 3D printed pulmonary models.
- Rapid prototyping of these models provided accurate anatomical insights for the surgeons.
- The simulated procedure demonstrated the feasibility of applying the fissureless technique in a segmentectomy context.
Implications:
- Construction of 3D pulmonary models is beneficial for planning thoracoscopic surgeries.
- This approach enhances anatomical understanding for complex chest surgeries.
- The fissureless technique, aided by 3D modeling, may improve outcomes in specific lobectomy and segmentectomy procedures.
