Vision is everything: Usage of Karl Storz Endoscopy device during pulmonary endarterectomy surgery

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a distinct type of pulmonary hypertensive disease, characterized by incomplete or abnormal resolution of acute pulmonary embolism such that residual emboli become organized and fibrotic. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for many patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Karl Storz Endoscopy is a useful tool used in our department to improve the quality of pulmonary endarterectomy surgery while removing the thrombus lying on the segmental and subsegmental branches of right and left pulmonary arteries.

From 16.12.2021-15.08.2023 14 cases of pulmonary endarterectomy were performed also using Karl Storz Endoscopy with these parameters: rigid, 0 angled, straight, 30 cm length and 2 mm width. It has an HD camera attached on the distal part of it which is connected to a monitor and at the same time magnifies the image and provides visualization with a high quality. Vision, quality of surgery and teaching potential were evaluated during this period. Overall impressions and feedback were generated by the surgical team.

All 14 PEA surgeries were completed without any complication. Overall impressions and feedback were positive on the usage of Karl Storz Endoscopy as a useful tool on pulmonary endarterectomy operations. This tool provides a better view of the thrombus that lies on the segmental arteries of right and left pulmonary arteries using an HD camera attached to its distal end and its connection with a monitor. Surgical team agreed that Karl Storz Endoscopy is crucial on the removal of thrombus lying on segmental and subsegmental branches of right and left pulmonary arteries. It also has an important impact as a teaching potential of PEA technique to the trainees.

Karl Storz Endoscopy is a useful part of the surgical tools used in our clinic during pulmonary endarterectomy operations. It provides excellent visualization of segmental and subsegmental branches of right and left pulmonary artery during the removal of thrombus. Secondarily, we found this tool to be important in teaching trainees pulmonary endarterectomy operation technique.