Easier Uniportal VATS Lobectomy Using a Clamp With a String and a U-shaped Direction Converter for Lung Traction

Abstract

Although uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) is associated with decreased pain and chest wall paresthesia, as well as better cosmesis, it has not been widely accepted by thoracic surgeons. This lack of acceptance is largely because instrument collisions are difficult to avoid when many instruments are crowded into a single incision. We designed a set of instruments, including a clamp with a string and a U-shaped direction converter for lung traction, to provide better exposure during UVATS for lobectomy without the need for an endograsper. By retracting from different directions and applying appropriate force on the lung hilum to keep the vessels and bronchus separated, we were able to reduce collisions among instruments and make UVATS for lobectomy easier.