A novel and simple method for establishing the subxiphoid approach during thoracoscopic thymectomy

Publication date: Available online 2 January 2019Source: The Annals of Thoracic SurgeryAuthor(s): Hao Xu, Linyou ZhangAbstractThe trans-subxiphoid thoracoscopic approach is an ideal method for thoracoscopic thymectomy. We introduce a simple method to establish the subxiphoid approach. We made an incision and inserted a homemade gasbag into the retrosternal space. The gasbag may be inflated with 600-800 ml of air. The inflated gasbag was maintained for 5 minutes and removed. This methodology was performed in 20 cases. This method provides the surgeon with a good field of view, rare thoracoscope contamination and a smoother surgical procedure. Therefore, the method described in this study is a powerful option to establish the subxiphoid approach during thoracoscopic thymectomy.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research