Novel surgical system for reducing lung tissue and preventing air leaks.
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.
Vallières
Eric
E
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Spiration, Inc., Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. evallier@u.washington.edu
Gonzalez
Xavier
X
Pedersen
Kimberly M
KM
Sears
Gena K
GK
Springmeyer
Steven C
SC
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