Intrapericardial Pulmonary Vein Ligation to Prevent Stump Thrombosis During Left Upper Lobectomy

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Postoperative cerebral infarction is a serious complication following surgery.
• Pulmonary vein stump thrombosis (PVST) is often observed after left upper lobectomy (LUL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the safety and efficacy of intrapericardial ligation of the superior pulmonary vein (SPV) in preventing PVST after LUL.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 21 patients undergoing LUL with intrapericardial SPV ligation.
• SPV stump length measured; PVST assessed via CT scans.
• Safety and complications compared to 76 historical controls.

Main Results:

• Median SPV stump length was 5.0 mm; median procedure time was 8.8 minutes.
• Zero mortality rates at 30 and 90 days.
• No PVST or cerebrovascular events observed in the SPV ligation group; no significant difference in complications compared to controls.

Conclusions:

• Intrapericardial SPV ligation is a safe procedure.
• This technique shows potential in preventing cerebral infarction after LUL.