[Advantages and disadvantages of harmonic scalpel in thoracic surgery]

We evaluated the usefulness of Harmonic Scalpel in thoracic surgery. Harmonic Scalpel is an ultrasonically activated surgical device which can coagulate and cut the vessels or tissues. The instrument made thoracoscopic resection of the neurogenic tumor and the mediastinal lymph node and thoracoscopic sympatectomy safetier and easier, because it does not conduct an electric current to the nerve and has high ability of hemostasis. Harmonic Scalpel will be very useful device in the future if its shapes of blades or handpieces are improved.