Initial experience of previously blocking both pulmonary artery and veins in true video assisted thoracic surgery for the treatment of NSCLC

Objective We evaluate our experience of previously blocking both pulmonary artery and veins in true video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma ( NSCLC ).Methods Six patients undergoing lobectomy with previously blocking both pulmonary artery and veins in the VATS in our institution between December 2007 and June 2011 were reviewed.Results In our series,six patients required previously blocking both pulmonary artery and veins in the VATS,The mean occlusion time of PA and PV was (42.0 ± 8.6 ) min and ( 39.3 ± 8.2 ) min,respectively.Four patients required partial PA reconstruction.The mean repair time of the PA was (21.25 ±9.91 ) min.No complications attributable to the technique or mortality were seen.There were no local recurrences on the pulmonary artery.Conclusion It is feasible and safe that the technology of previously blocking of the pulmonary artery and veins was applied in VATS.This technique can reduce the risk of intraoperative bleeding and the chance of converting to open thoracotomy,and extend the inclusion criteria of VATS lobectomy. Key words: Carcinoma,non-small-cell lung; Pneumonectomy; Pulmonary artery; Thoracic surgery,video assisted