Robotic-assisted carinal reconstruction using cross-table ventilation.

Carinal reconstruction remains a technically challenging procedure for thoracic surgeons due to the complexity of airway resection and management. This is typically performed in the setting of tumour resection affecting the carina and distal trachea. Airway management of patients undergoing surgical resection of tumours involving the carina is highly challenging. This is due to an open, shared airway and the need for single-lung ventilation to facilitate surgery. Common modalities used for intraoperative ventilation include cross-table ventilation, veno-venous extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiopulmonary bypass is usually avoided due to the requirement of full heparinization, which increases the demands of a technically challenging procedure, in addition to its contraindication in oncological resections. Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation is not readily available in most thoracic units. This leaves cross-table ventilation, which is commonly used for open thoracotomy and sternotomy cases, but has never been reported for minimally invasive procedures.  Specifically, to the best of our knowledge, cross-table ventilation has never been used for minimally invasive robotic carinal reconstruction. We present a step-by-step video tutorial in performing surgical resection of a mediastinal tumour that was found invading the carina. This was performed in a young patient who underwent carinal reconstruction using a novel technique combining cross-table ventilation and robotic-assisted surgery.

The role of 3-dimensional reconstruction imaging in bronchopulmonary sequestration.

Bronchopulmonary sequestration is a congenital abnormality characterized by non-functioning lung tissue, abnormal connection with the tracheobronchial tree and anomalous systemic arterial supply. Although considered a rare phenomenon presenting early in life, sequestration may also present with recurrent chest infections in late adulthood. Additionally, bronchopulmonary sequestration may rarely be incidentally encountered during thoracic surgery. Several subtypes exist including intralobar, extralobar and hybrid bronchopulmonary sequestration (congenital pulmonary artery malformation). Surgical resection is curative and serves as the treatment of choice for symptomatic patients. Radiological imaging prior to surgery is essential in these patients because the arterial supply may be anatomically complex, and aberrant artery branches are common. Utilization of virtual 3-dimensional remodelling and computed tomography reconstruction imaging can not only establish a diagnosis of bronchopulmonary sequestration but can also optimize preoperative planning. This approach will ultimately prove useful in anticipating surgically challenging steps and avoiding unnecessary intraoperative complications. We present a video tutorial on the role of 3-dimensional reconstruction imaging in bronchopulmonary sequestration and a step-by-step guide for performing a right robotic-assisted surgical resection of an S2 hybrid bronchopulmonary sequestrated segment. This case is followed by a second case of intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration encountered incidentally during thoracic surgery.

Manubriectomy made easy.

Bone metastasis is the most common form of distant metastasis encountered within the breast cancer population. Surgical resection of bone metastases is a curative treatment option in patients who present with an isolated solitary lesion and no other associated disease. This decision is typically made following a multidisciplinary discussion. Patients can also be put forward for surgical excision of bone metastases following inadequate response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.  With tumours located in the manubrium of the sternum, surgery serves not only to resect the bone metastasis but to provide suitable chest wall reconstruction. The goal of this approach is to maintain the structural and bony stability of the chest wall as well as that of associated structures, e.g. rib insertion or articulation of the shoulder girdle. A widely utilized approach involves excising the area of metastasis within the manubrium followed by implanting a bone cement prosthesis. Titanium plates are used to fix the bone prosthesis to the sternal body inferiorly and to the remainder of the manubrium superiorly.  We present a step-by-step video tutorial for performing a lower hemi-manubriectomy in a patient with triple-negative breast cancer. Our goal is to describe the fundamental principles and surgical techniques used to perform this procedure followed by the postoperative outcomes.

Triplegic Stroke After Air Embolism From Bronchogenic Cyst Secondary to Barotrauma.

Emergency medical assistance is rare regarding air travel. Pulmonary barotrauma during air travel can occur in asymptomatic patients who have underlying intraparenchymal pulmonary pathology such as bullae or bronchogenic cysts. During aircraft travel the resultant decrease in pressure during the ascent can lead to expansion of cyst volume, culminating in tears and leakage of air into the surrounding vasculature and thus the potential for air embolism. We describe a case of massive cerebral air embolism secondary to pulmonary barotrauma in a previously asymptomatic patient.