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

A novel and simple method for establishing the subxiphoid approach during thoracoscopic thymectomy. Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 Jan 02;: Authors: Xu H, Zhang L Abstract The 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. PMID: 30610853 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Ann Thorac Surg Source Type: research