title: Novel surgical system for reducing lung tissue and preventing air leaks.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the feasibility of using the VALR surgical system (Spiration Inc, Redmond, WA), limited by federal law to investigational use, for capturing and reducing a selected portion of affected lobes in patients undergoing lobectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The tested system consists of a hand-held vacuum-regulated introducer loaded with a flexible, silicone sleeve. Targeted tissue is drawn into the introducer and the silicone sleeve is deployed and sutured in place. The end of the proximal sleeve includes a compression band for applying uniform radial pressure, suture ports, and silicone lugs lining the inner lumen for reinforcing sleeve position.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The system was effective in capturing 25% to 30% tissue of each lobe tested. Mean intraoperative test time was 8.5 minutes. The compression sleeve did not slip or dislodge after suturing, and no tissue damage or leaks were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was feasible using vacuum to draw and isolate a portion of pulmonary tissue within a silicone sleeve. The system was intuitive to apply, easy to use, and produced effective reduction and sealing of tissue.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Spiration, Inc., Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. evallier@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vallières
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: Kimberly M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Gena K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Sears
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Springmeyer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000601:surgery; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014618:Vacuum