Saline-cooled radiofrequency coagulation during thoracoscopic surgery for giant bulla

Abstract

Two patients were admitted to our hospital due to giant bullae. During thoracoscopic surgery, saline-cooled radiofrequency coagulation devices were used to shrink the wall of the bulla. In each case, the volume of the bulla was gradually reduced and the boundary between the lung and bulla was clearly delineated. This method is considered to be useful for performing thoracoscopic surgery of giant bulla.

Medical Thoracoscopy-Assisted Argon Plasma Coagulation Combined with Electrosurgical Unit for the Treatment of Refractory Pneumothorax in Elderly Patients

“…This procedure has the ability to lower wound temperature and reduce oxidation and carbonization of damaged tissues; however, the indispensable epidural anesthesia required, together with the long operation time and high cost, may limit its promotion in elderly patients. 18,19)…”