Novel Lung Biopsy Surgical Technique for Definitive Diagnosis of Pulmonary Capillary Hemangiomatosis

ABSTRACT Purpose The 2015 European Society of Cardiology / European Respiratory Society Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension state that lung biopsy is still the gold standard for confirming pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis; however, the surgical lung biopsy is no longer recommended in most cases for its inherent risks. Non-intubated and uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery being the new developments in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technology. We combined these two technologies to create a novel approach for pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis lung biopsy. Description A incision was made in chest wall. Sponge forceps were used to pull the lung out of the pleural , and resect target lung tissue. The incised margin was sutured with 3-0 Prolene, and a negative pressure suction tube was used to fully expand the lung. Evaluation Three patients were definitively diagnosed with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis by this technology. One patient developed a postoperative fever,and no other complications. Conclusions The tubeless and uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lung biopsy is a safe, effective, and feasible technology for definitively diagnosing patients with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis.