Experience using the angioplastic procedure of the pulmonary artery in patients with lung cancer

Eight cases of bronchogenic carcinomas which underwent angioplastic procedures were reported. We believe that the angioplastic procedure, as in the case of the bronchoplastic procedure, is a useful operative method to preserve normal lung tissue particularly in patients of advanced age and/or limited respiratory reserves. With this procedure we can avoid pneumonectomy and assure patients a good postoperative life. With respect to angioplastic procedures caution must be exercised concerning the following items. 1) Infection may cause ruptures or stenosis at the site of the suture line. 2) It is necessary not to cause stenosis in the suture line of the pulmonary artery since the pulmonary artery is in a low pressure system and the wall is thin.