Thoracoscopic Lobectomy in Infants and Children Utilizing a 5 mm Stapling Device

Area of Science:

• Pediatric surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery

Background:

• Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a preferred treatment for congenital cystic lung disease in infants.
• Existing endoscopic staplers are too large for infant anatomy, posing technical challenges.
• A need exists for specialized instruments for pediatric thoracoscopic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 5mm stapling device.
• To assess the device's utility in sealing and dividing major pulmonary structures during infant thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Main Methods:

• 26 infants (6 weeks to 13 months) underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital lung malformations.
• A 5mm stapler was the primary device for sealing and dividing pulmonary vessels and bronchi.
• A 3mm sealing device was used for smaller vessels; stump lines were assessed for complications.

Main Results:

• All procedures were successfully completed thoracoscopically.
• The 5mm stapler effectively managed lobar arteries, veins, systemic sequestration vessels, and bronchi in all cases.
• No significant bleeding or air leaks occurred, with no postoperative complications reported.

Conclusions:

• The 5mm stapling device is safe and effective for thoracoscopic lobectomy in infants.
• It enables secure management of critical pulmonary structures via a single 5mm port.
• This technology facilitates minimally invasive treatment of congenital lung disease in neonates and infants.