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Thoracic Portal
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This interview celebrates the long career of British cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Michael E. Cowen. He leaves a legacy of pioneering robotic thoracic surgery and trainee education.
February 8, 2012
Patient Selection
February 2, 2012
A robotic technique is described for first rib resection for Paget Schroetter Disease or “effort thrombosis” of the subclavian vein that allows for en bloc resection of the offending portion of the first rib while minimizing the risk of neurovascular injury.
January 9, 2012
This is a novel usage of an ultrasonic bone scalpel in cardiothoracic surgery used to operate on what is normally one of the most difficult situations that we face, namely the pericardiectomy of a calcified pericardium.
December 15, 2011
Breast implant complications after thoracic surgery are relatively rare. We present an unusual case of an intact implant migration into the pleural space after thoracoscopic surgery that was initially read as hemothorax on computed tomography of the chest.
December 15, 2011
Prof. Hans Pilegaard has developed a novel method for Nuss bar insertion using a short bar technique. Using this technique he has performed almost 1000 Nuss procedures. In this interview he describes his technique. Intraoperative video is included of Dr. Pilegaard performing the operation at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
December 12, 2011
The ability to completely drain the thoracic cavity, break up loculations of pleural fluid, completely visualize all aspects of the pleural space, and avoid the morbidity of a thoracotomy has made thoracoscopy attractive in the management of empyema and hemothorax.
October 24, 2011
Prior VATS lobectomy is a relative contraindication to ipsilateral repeat VATS lobectomy due to possible technical difficulties arising from adhesions and scarring, especially at the hilum. This video describes a VATS middle lobectomy in a 63 years old ex-smoker who had a previous VATS right lower lobectomy and pulmonary tuberculosis of the right upper lobe.
October 23, 2011
The video outlines the salient clinical features of esophageal leioyomyoma and their thoracoscopic management. The pertinent surgical steps are outlined to demonstrate the surgical technique that is involved in this operation and will help surgeons adopt thoracoscopic resection as standard in the management of this benign condition.