A NEW DEVICE FOR THORACIC ACCESS - THE THORACO HOLDER

Background. We present a novel invention (Thoraco Holder; Fuji Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) for thoracoscopic surgery. Made of silicon e, automatically stops bleeding from the chest wall, increases range o f motion for manipulation, and decreases postoperative pain. Methods. Under general anesthesia using the Univent tube (Fuji Systems Corporat ion, Tokyo, Japan), two Thoraco Holders were used in each of 300 thora coscopic procedures for lung cancer, mediastinal tumor, pneumothorax, chest trauma, and emphysema, most using the Two Windows Method). Resul ts. No patient experienced more than 10 mi of bleeding from the chest wall. In addition, analgesics were not needed by any patient for over 1 week. No patient experienced trouble caused by the Thoraco Holder. C onclusions. The Thoraco Holder is made of silicone. Silicone rubber ca uses less pain postoperatively. The silicone cuff (balloon) causes les s bleeding from the chest wall. This Thoraco Holder is useful access f or video assisted thoracoscopic surgery.