Cutting lung parenchyma using the harmonic scalpel--an animal experiment

Abstract

Objective: Applicability of harmonic scalpel in lung surgery was investigated using an animal model.

Methods: Air tightness, control of bleeding and features of tissue regeneration were compared in a 4-week time frame of investigation in animals in which either surgical stapler or harmonic scalpel were used for pulmonary resection.

Results: No significant differences between the two methods were found on a clinical and histopathological basis.

Conclusions: Complete lack of granuloma formation at the resection line and in its vicinity consequently restitutio ad integrum demonstrate the advantage of the harmonic scalpel over the stapler in the circumstances investigated. Overall the vibration transmission method was shown not to be inferior to the standard methods in peripheral lung tissue resection.