Video-assisted lung resection using radiofrequency ablation in a porcine model.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of video-assisted lingula resection using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with internally cooled electrodes in a porcine model.


METHODS
Six domestic pigs underwent RFA-assisted thoracoscopic lingulectomy. RFA was the only aerostatic and hemostatic method applied throughout the operation. After 30 d, the animals were sacrificed for the study of the macroscopic and microscopic effects of the technique.


RESULTS
No signs of pneumothorax, blood loss, or infection were observed up to 1 mo postoperatively. There was no mortality either during or after surgery. The histopathology of the lung revealed three clearly demarcated zone lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that thoracoscopic lingulectomy using RFA energy is technically feasible. RFA energy is an effective and safe aerostatic and hemostatic method in the porcine model.
2nd Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, University of Athens, Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Periklis
P
Tomos
Evangelos
E
Felekouras
Anna
A
Poupalou
Michael
M
Kontos
Penny
P
Pappa
Nikolaos
N
Kavatzas
Dionisios
D
Pavlopoulos
Alkiviadis
A
Kostakis
Apostolos
A
Papalois
Christos
C
Tsigris
D000818:Animals; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D034421:Sus scrofa; D014741:Video Recording