Thoracoscopical water jet lavage in coagulated hemothorax.

We propose the use of a pulsatile high-speed irrigation device during video-assisted thoracoscopy for retained, in part coagulated hemothorax. Blood clots and membranes adhering to intrathoracic structures are easily removed by the water jet without damaging underlying structures. The efficient dilution of the sticky retained blood and the fragmented coagula enable their quick removal over a suction catheter.