[The Successful Reduction of Resected Lung Volume for Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration with Infrared Thoracoscope].

A 59-year-old male patient was referred to our hospital for further examinations and treatment due to an abnormal shadow detected in his left lower lung lobe on computed tomography. The patient was diagnosed with intralobar pulmonary sequestration and scheduled for an operation. During the surgery, after resection of the aberrant artery, indocyanine green was intravenously injected, and the border between normal lung and sequestrated lung was clearly identified by an infrared thoracoscope. Subsequently, wedge resection was performed, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. Spirometry performed 6 months after the surgery indicated that the patient's lung function was well-preserved compared to the preoperative status.

[Metastases in the Lung and Mediastinal Lymph Nodes from Breast Cancer 28 Years after the First Operation:Report of a Case].

A 76-year-old woman was pointed out a small nodule in the right lower lung lobe on a chest computed tomography( CT) for follow-up examinations of malignant thyroid lymphoma. Although she had undergone a radical mastectomy for right breast cancer 28 years previously, the nodule was suspected to be either metastatic lymphoma or primary lung cancer and thoracoscopic surgery was planned to perform. Since the intraoperative frozen section diagnosis was adenocarcinoma, right lower lobectomy and systemic lymph node dissection were performed. However, the final pathology revealed that the lesion was breast cancer metastasis and subcarinal lymph nodes were also positive for metastases.

Postoperative tegafur-uracil for stage I lung adenocarcinoma: first real-world data with an exploratory subgroup analysis.

PURPOSE: The effect of postoperative tegafur-uracil on overall survival (OS) after resection of stage I adenocarcinoma has been shown in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether findings from randomized trials of adjuvant tegafur-uracil are reproducible in a real-world setting. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using a multi-institutional database that included all patients who underwent complete resection of pathological stage I adenocarcinoma between 2014 and 2016. Survival outcomes for patients managed with and without tegafur-uracil were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model for the whole patient cohort and in a selected cohort based on eligibility criteria of a previous randomized trial. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounding effects. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, the hazard ratios for OS were 0.57 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-1.14, P = 0.11) in the whole cohort and 0.69 (95% CI 0.32-1.50, P = 0.35) in the selected cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of tegafur-uracil in this retrospective study appear to be consistent with those found in randomized clinical trials. These effects may be maximized in patients aged from 45 to 75 years.

[Early Resuming of Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis on the Following Day After Surgery for Pleuroperitoneal Communication:Report of a Case].

A 72-year-old man was introduced continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for chronic renal failure. Five months later, he was pointed out a massive right pleural effusion. Being diagnosed with pleuroperitoneal communication, he was referred to our department for surgery. Dialysis fluid and indocyanine green were injected through a peritoneal catheter for CAPD 30 minutes before surgery. A small fistula was detected by pressing the abdomen and using infrared thoracoscopy. The fistula was sutured and covered with polyglycolic acid sheet and fibrin glue. A day after surgery, CAPD was resumed. He was discharged on the post operative sixth day without any complications.

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors as first-line treatment for postoperative recurrent EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma: a multi-institutional retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors of patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) as first-line treatment for postoperative recurrent EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Using a multi-institutional database, we performed a retrospective chart review to identify all patients who had undergone complete resection of stage I-III EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma at 11 acute care hospitals between 2009 and 2016 and had received first-line EGFR-TKI treatment for postoperative recurrence. Adverse events, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. Survival outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PFS and OS. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 154 patients with a median age of 69. The total numbers of events were 101 for PFS and 60 for OS. The median PFS and OS were 26.1 and 55.4 months, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, EGFR ex 21 L858R mutation (HR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.15-2.55) and shorter disease-free intervals (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99) were significantly associated with shorter PFS. Age (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07), smoking history (HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.35-3.94) and pathological N2 disease at the initial surgery (HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.32-4.00) were significantly associated with shorter OS. CONCLUSIONS: First-line EGFR-TKI treatment was generally associated with favourable survival outcomes in patients with postoperative recurrent EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma. EGFR ex 21 L858R mutation may be an important prognostic factor for shorter PFS.

A new technique to detect communication sites for pleuroperitoneal communication.

Pleuroperitoneal communication is one of the complications for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Communication sites, such as defects or bleb-like lesions, are found in the diaphragm, but it is sometimes difficult to detect these sites. We combined the infrared thoracoscopy and negative pressure technique to detect communication sites. We think our new technique will become an alternative option for difficult and complex cases.

Staged removal of artificial patches for thoracic empyema after extrapleural pneumonectomy for diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma.

A 69-year-old man with occupational exposure to asbestos was referred to our hospital with right diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. He underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy with reconstruction of the pericardium and diaphragm using elongated polytetrafluoroethylene patches, followed by postoperative chemotherapy and chest wall irradiation. One year later, he was hospitalized because of a right empyema caused by Escherichia coli infection. As chest drainage and systemic antibiotics did not eliminate the abscess around the artificial patches, a Clagett window was created. To avoid mediastinal and liver overshift into the right thoracic cavity, we only performed partial resection of the diaphragm patch and incision of the artificial pericardium. After 19 days of irrigation and dressing change, the artificial patches were completely removed. Two months later, the patient provided a culture-negative sample and had an improved nutritional status; we therefore performed closure of the Clagett window with thoracoplasty. He did not experience recurrence of empyema.

[Successful Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Pleural Empyema by Closing Bronchopleural Fistula with Cyanoacrylate Products].

A 69-year-old man had experienced right upper lobectomy for inflammatory granuloma. Three months after surgery, he was diagnosed with pleural empyema due to bronchopleural fistula and open window thoracostomy was performed. Since we could not decrease the dead space and the amount of pleural effusion, we introduced negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Before applying, we closed the fistula with suturing and cyanoacrylate products. Four weeks later, we performed an operation to close the open window with muscle transposition. NPWT is reported to be useful to treat pleural empyema, but control the air leakage from fistulas is essential to introduce this treatment. We think cyanoacrylate products may be useful in closing fistulas temporarily to introduce NPWT.

[Surgery for Right Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation with Recurrent Brain Abscess:Report of a Case].

A 68-year-old man was referred to our hospital for further examination for chest abnormal shadow in the right lung field. He had a past history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was diagnosed with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) and recommended early treatment, but he didnot accept immediate surgical treatment. Three months later, he was transferred to other hospital emergently to treat nausea and dizziness. After being diagnosed with cerebellum abscess, external drainage was performed at our hospital. First drainage had a temporary efficacy, so second drainage was performed before referring to our department. Considering his condition and brain abscess, surgery for PAVM was done.

Bronchoscopic Surgery for a Solitary Tracheal Tumor of Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica is a rare benign condition in which multiple cartilaginous or bony submucosal nodules project into the trachea or bronchi. A 71-year-old man complained of cough for 3 months. Computed tomography scanning revealed a calcified tracheal tumor near the tracheal bifurcation. Pulmonary function testing indicated airflow limitation, and bronchoscopic examination confirmed a solitary rigid tumor. Bronchoscopic resection was performed under general anesthesia, and the tumor was detached by cauterizing its stem with high-frequency coagulation. The tumor was pathologically indicative of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. After surgery, the clinical signs of cough and dyspnea resolved and pulmonary function normalized.

Resected case of giant cystic thymoma with spontaneous intracystic hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracystic hemorrhage of cystic thymoma is very rare. We encountered a patient with giant cystic thymoma with spontaneous intracystic hemorrhage and successfully resected the thymoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old man was referred to our hospital with chest pain. Computed tomography revealed a uniform anterior mediastinum cystic mass. Two days after hospitalization, his chest pain worsened. Subsequent computed tomography showed that the tumor had become inhomogeneous. The patient's symptoms gradually improved over a fortnight, and surgery was performed. The tumor was a cystic mass with a thick fibrous capsule filled with hemorrhagic necrotic tissue and was diagnosed as a cystic thymoma. CONCLUSIONS: Mediastinal cystic lesion with expansion or contrasting effects in the wall may be a cystic thymoma, and it has the possibility of hemorrhaging in the cyst. In such a case, surgical resection is recommended.

Lobectomy for Lung Cancer With Congenital Pericardial Defect.

A congenital complete pericardial defect is a rare and often asymptomatic condition that may be diagnosed intraoperatively. While performing lung lobectomy in patients with this condition, surgeons must exercise more caution than with standard lobectomies. Additional points of consideration include the use of surgical instruments to ensure a clear operative field, vascular treatment for pulmonary veins, confirmation of the phrenic nerve location, and determination of the need to repair the pericardial defect. This report describes a rare case of a complete left pericardial defect that was detected in a man with lung cancer during left upper lobectomy.

Development of a socket-type rib coaptation device made of poly-L-lactide fibers: feasibility study in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: Costal coaptation pins made of poly-L-lactide (PLA) are clinically available for fixing surgically divided ribs. However, the clinical results of such rib fixation have not been completely satisfactory. We aimed to develop a new rib coaptation socket system and explore its clinical applicability. METHODS: We surgically divided three consecutive ribs of each beagle dog, and rib coaptation sockets were implanted to stabilize each rib. Fifteen 3-dimensional (3D)-printed and 30 PLA fiber knitted sockets were implanted in five and ten dogs, respectively, to stabilize the artificially divided ribs. Mechanical analysis of the sockets and radiographical examination of costal fixation were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the newly developed socket system for rib stabilization. RESULTS: All 15 ribs with 3D-printed sockets had displaced 1 month after the operation. Three ribs in one dog with implanted PLA fiber knitted sockets were displaced radiographically after 1 month, and the grade of displacement remained unchanged after 6 months. The remaining 27 ribs fixed with PLA fiber knitted sockets did not show any displacement. CONCLUSIONS: The PLA fiber knitted rib coaptation socket system was sufficiently durable for the stabilization of divided ribs with biocompatibility. This promising finding can be applied for clinical stabilization of divided ribs.

Development of novel force-limiting grasping forceps with a simple mechanism.

OBJECTIVES: In endoscopic surgery, fragile tissues may be damaged by the application of excessive force. Thus, we developed novel endoscopic forceps with a simple force-limiting mechanism. METHODS: The novel forceps were constructed with a leaf spring, and the spring thickness determines grasping pressure. We established an evaluation system (maximum score is 11 points) for lung tissue damage leading to complications. We tested the conventional forceps (186.8 kPa) and 3 novel spring forceps with the following thicknesses: 1.3 mm (53.0 kPa), 2.2 mm (187.7 kPa) and 2.8 mm (369.2 kPa). After grasping, peripheral canine lung tissues were microscopically examined for acute- and late-phase damages. RESULTS: In the acute phase (20 sites), the novel forceps caused capillary congestion and haemorrhage in the subpleural tissue, whereas the conventional forceps caused deep tissue and pleural damages. In the late phase (30 sites), both forceps caused fibroblast formation and interstitial thickening, which progressed to the deeper tissues as grasping pressure increased. In the acute phase, the median scores were 2.0 and 6.0 for the novel and conventional forceps, respectively (P = 0.003). In the late phase, the median scores were 2.0, 2.5 and 5.0 for 1.3-, 2.2- and 2.8-mm thick forceps, respectively, and 5.0 for the conventional forceps (P < 0.001). In both phases, the novel forceps with grasping pressure set below 187.7 kPa (2.2 mm) caused significantly less lung tissue damage than the conventional forceps. CONCLUSIONS: The novel endoscopic forceps are able to regulate the tissue-grasping pressure and induce less damage in lung tissues than conventional forceps.

Development of a novel tissue-engineered nitinol frame artificial trachea with native-like physical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Tracheal reconstruction is complicated by the short length to which a trachea can be resected. We previously developed a biocompatible polypropylene frame artificial trachea, but it lacked the strength and flexibility of the native trachea. In contrast, nitinol may provide these physical characteristics. We developed a novel nitinol frame artificial trachea and examined its biocompatibility and safety in canine models. METHODS: We constructed several nitinol frame prototypes and selected the frame that most closely reproduced the strength of the native canine trachea. This frame was used to create a collagen-coated artificial trachea that was implanted into 5 adult beagle dogs. The artificial trachea was first implanted into the pedicled omentum and placed in the abdomen. Three weeks later, the omentum-wrapped artificial trachea was moved into the thoracic cavity. The thoracic trachea was then partially resected and reconstructed using the artificial trachea. Follow-up bronchoscopic evaluation was performed, and the artificial trachea was histologically examined after the dogs were sacrificed. RESULTS: Stenosis at the anastomosis sites was not observed in any dog. Survival for 18 months or longer was confirmed in all dogs but 1, which died after 9 months due to reasons unrelated to the artificial trachea. Histological examination confirmed respiratory epithelial regeneration on the artificial trachea's luminal surface. Severe foreign body reaction was not detected around the nitinol frame. CONCLUSIONS: The novel nitinol artificial trachea reproduced the physical characteristics of the native trachea. We have confirmed cell engraftment, good biocompatibility, and survival of 18 months or longer for this artificial trachea in canine models.

A novel suction-based lung-stabilizing device for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical procedures.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become more commonly used in recent years. To provide a sufficient field of view during these procedures, surgeons must manipulate the lung using conventional devices such as cotton-tipped medical applicators and graspers. However, medical applicators are unable to pull on the target lung lobes, and graspers can damage the lung tissue. We developed a novel suction-based lung-stabilizing silicon device to easily and safely manipulate the lung in order to provide an optimal view during VATS procedures. Here, we describe the use of this device to successfully perform VATS lobectomy in a clinical setting.

Three-dimensional Navigation for Thoracoscopic Sublobar Resection Using a Novel Wireless Marking System.

We developed a novel localization technique for small intrapulmonary lesions using radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology. Micro-RFID markers with nickel-titanium coils were designed to be placed from subsegmental bronchi to the peripheral parenchyma. In this preclinical study, thoracoscopic subsegmentectomy of a canine pseudotumor model was performed to demonstrate the feasibility and three-dimensional positional accuracy of the system. To recover subcentimeter pseudotumors, markers were bronchoscopically placed to determine the resection line: (1) next to the pseudotumor; (2) in the responsible subsegmental bronchi as the central margin; and (3) on the intersubsegmental plane as the lateral margin. Specific marker positions were located by wireless communication using a wand-shaped probe with a 30-mm communication range, with the distance to the marker indicated by gradual changes in sound pitch. Thirty-four markers were placed for 10 pseudotumors (14.6 mm from the pleura) in 10 canines. Three markers were placed at a mean distance of 5.5 mm from the pseudotumors, and 11 central and 20 lateral markers were placed at mean distances of 17.2 and 20.7 mm from the pseudotumors, respectively. Central markers (20.5 mm from the pleura) were detected within 16.0 seconds in 2.9-mm-diameter bronchi. All resection stumps were within 5.4 mm (range 2-8 mm) from each marker, and pseudotumors were removed with adequate surgical margins toward the central (11.5 mm; range 7-16 mm) and lateral (12.4 mm; range 9-17 mm) directions. RFID wireless markers provided precise three-dimensional positional information and are a potential viable alternative to conventional markers.

Thoracoscopic partial resection without using a stapler. (complete republication).

Thoracoscopic partial pulmonary resection for small peripheral nodules without using a stapler has been introduced to our hospital. After partial resection was performed with electrocautery, two different methods of surface sealing were used: a coagulation method (C method) with Soft Coagulation alone, and a coagulation-suturing method (CS method) with Soft Coagulation combined with continuous suturing. The clinical outcomes of the two methods were retrospectively compared in this study. The C method was used in 19 lesions of 18 cases, and the CS method was used in 20 lesions of 19 cases. Primary lung cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (22 lesions of 21 cases). There were no differences between the two groups in the size and depth of the lesions. Operative time was longer with the CS method than with the C method. Postoperative air leakage was a complication in 4 cases with the C method, and one of them required re-do surgery, whereas only one case with the CS method had temporary air leakage. Postoperative computed tomography showed cavitation in 3 C method cases and 5 CS method cases, all without related symptoms. There were no local recurrences at resected sites. In conclusion, the C method was technically easy to perform, but air leakage may be prolonged after surgery. The CS method may have the advantage of causing less air leakage than the C method, but mastering the technique is important to shorten operative time.

Development of a novel lung-stabilizing device for VATS procedures.

BACKGROUND: The use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has substantially increased in recent years. These procedures involve the insertion of specialized devices into the thoracic cavity via access ports. However, conventional devices such as cotton-tipped applicators and graspers can limit the field of view and injure the fragile lung tissue. The aim of this study was to develop a novel lung-stabilizing device for VATS that provides a good surgical field of view without causing lung injury. METHODS: We developed a novel suction-based lung-stabilizing device equipped with three hemispheric 20-mm-diameter silicon suction cups. The utility and safety of the novel device were evaluated using a resected pig lung and canine models. In order to assess potential organ damage arising from the use of the novel device, canine lung parenchyma and pleura were macroscopically and microscopically examined after the device had been continuously applied under negative pressure conditions of -400 or -540 mmHg for 1 h. RESULTS: To assess the utility of the novel device, we performed lobectomies in the resected pig lung and VATS in canine models. The device demonstrated sufficient power to stabilize the lungs and provided a clear field of view during surgery, which enabled us to perform VATS lobectomies more easily than conventional stabilizing forceps. Assessment of the dogs' lungs immediately after detaching the suction-based device revealed no complications such as hemorrhage, air leaks, and bullae formation. Pathological examination after 7 days also showed no substantial damage, except for a small impression in the parenchyma and pleura of the surface layer where the device had contacted the lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Although further validation studies in clinical settings are required, our study indicates that the novel lung-stabilizing device has potentially useful applications in VATS procedures.

Localizing small lung lesions in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via radiofrequency identification marking.

BACKGROUND: To facilitate accurate localization of small lung lesions in thoracoscopic surgery, we employed a micro-radiofrequency identification tag designed to be delivered through the 2-mm working channel of a flexible bronchoscope. This report presents the results of preclinical studies of our novel localizing technique in a canine model. METHODS: To evaluate functional placement, three types of tags [Group A, tag alone (n = 18); Group B, tag + resin anchor (n = 15); and Group C, tag + NiTi coil anchor (n = 15)] were bronchoscopically placed in subpleural areas and subsegmental bronchi via our new delivery device; tags were examined radiographically on days 0-7 and day 14. In addition, eight tags, which were placed at a mean depth of 13.3 mm (range 9-15.7 mm) from visceral pleura in bronchi with a mean diameter of 1.46 mm (range 0.9-2.3 mm), were recovered by partial lung resection under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using a 13.56-MHz wand-shaped probe with a 30-mm communication range. RESULTS: Peripheral airway placement: Group C had a significantly higher retention rate than the other two groups (retention rate at day 14: Group A, 11.1 %; Group B, 26.7 %; Group C, 100.0 %; P < 0.0001). Central airway placement: Overall retention rate was 73.3 % in Group C, and placement was possible in bronchi of up to 3.3 mm in diameter. Outcomes of partial resection: Tag recovery rate was 100 %, mean time required for tag detection was 10.8 s (range 8-15 s), and mean surgical margin from the delivered tag was 9.13 mm (range 6-13 mm). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency identification marking enabled accurate localization with depth, which could ensure effective deep resection margins.