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Aertsens et al: Chest wall lift for thoracoscopic lung lobectomy: Technique and results in two cats
Veterinary Surgery 4, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Case 1: Chest wall lift improved oxygenation (PaO₂ increased from 179.4 to 306.3 mmHg) and enabled thoracoscopic-assisted lobectomy in a cat with pleural effusion and pulmonary carcinoma.
Case 2: Chest wall lift using a Steinmann pin allowed 3-port thoracoscopic lobectomy for a bronchial foreign body; no complications observed.
Both cats: Lift increased working space and eliminated need for thoracotomy; no device-related complications.
Pretied ligating loops (PLL) were effective for hilar vessel ligation—preferred over staplers or self-locking ligatures in feline thorax.
Conclusion: Thoracic lift is a novel, minimally invasive method enhancing thoracoscopic procedures in small patients, particularly cats.

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← Articles

Aertsens et al: Chest wall lift for thoracoscopic lung lobectomy: Technique and results in two cats
Veterinary Surgery 4, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Case 1: Chest wall lift improved oxygenation (PaO₂ increased from 179.4 to 306.3 mmHg) and enabled thoracoscopic-assisted lobectomy in a cat with pleural effusion and pulmonary carcinoma.
Case 2: Chest wall lift using a Steinmann pin allowed 3-port thoracoscopic lobectomy for a bronchial foreign body; no complications observed.
Both cats: Lift increased working space and eliminated need for thoracotomy; no device-related complications.
Pretied ligating loops (PLL) were effective for hilar vessel ligation—preferred over staplers or self-locking ligatures in feline thorax.
Conclusion: Thoracic lift is a novel, minimally invasive method enhancing thoracoscopic procedures in small patients, particularly cats.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Aertsens 2025 et al., on thoracic lift technique, what was a key advantage of using a pretied ligating loop (PLL) in feline lobectomy?

A. Requires no special equipment
B. Allows vessel sealing near bronchus
C. Reduces surgery time
D. Prevents air leakage automatically
E. Can be applied externally without ports

Answer: Allows vessel sealing near bronchus

Explanation: Pretied ligating loops enabled precise hilar ligation and removal of the foreign body with the lung lobe.
In Aertsens 2025 et al., on thoracic lift technique, which device was used to create the chest wall lift in the second cat?

A. Costal hook attached to CO₂ insufflator
B. Bent Kirschner wire
C. Vacuum-assisted retractor
D. Commercial peritoneal lift device
E. Bent Steinmann pin

Answer: Bent Steinmann pin

Explanation: A bent 2 mm Steinmann pin was inserted at the 8th intercostal space and suspended to elevate the thoracic wall in Cat 2.
In Aertsens 2025 et al., on thoracic lift technique, what was the primary physiologic improvement observed in Cat 1 following lift device application?

A. Decrease in end-tidal CO₂
B. Improved oxygenation (PaO₂ increase)
C. Stabilization of blood pressure
D. Reduction in tidal volume requirement
E. Normalization of heart rate

Answer: Improved oxygenation (PaO₂ increase)

Explanation: PaO₂ improved from 179.4 mmHg to 306.3 mmHg after thoracic lift was applied in Cat 1.
In Aertsens 2025 et al., on thoracic lift technique, what was the major intraoperative benefit of chest wall lift in both cats?

A. Reduced anesthesia duration
B. Improved thoracoscopic working space
C. Improved heart rate stability
D. Prevented need for chest drain
E. Enabled single-port approach

Answer: Improved thoracoscopic working space

Explanation: Chest wall lift significantly expanded the intrathoracic space, facilitating thoracoscopic procedures.
In Aertsens 2025 et al., on thoracic lift technique, what outcome was reported for device-related complications in both feline cases?

A. Mild hemorrhage from port incision
B. Transient hypercapnia
C. No device-related complications
D. Pneumothorax requiring conversion to thoracotomy
E. Postoperative intercostal nerve pain

Answer: No device-related complications

Explanation: Both cases tolerated the lift technique without any observed complications from the devices.

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