title: Technique to reduce air leaks after resection of emphysematous lung.
abstract: Wedge excision of emphysematous lung tissue by means of a stapling device is frequently associated with prolonged air leakage. We have used bovine pericardial strips to buttress the staple line, preventing air leakage, which otherwise can occur at the staple holes when the lung is reinflated.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cooper
mesh_terms: D001684:Biological Dressings; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010496:Pericardium / Q000637:transplantation*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000601:surgery*; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*