J Reconstr Microsurg 2000; 16(3): 0193-0196
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-7551
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel: +1(212)584-4662

Nerve Stimulating System for Peripheral Nerve Tumor Resection Under the Thoracoscope

Koichi Nemoto, Hiroshi Arino, Hisayuki Isaki, Takashi Asazuma, Kyosuke Fujikawa, Yuichi Ozeki
  • Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Surgery II, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

ABSTRACT

-The authors report a newly devised nerve stimulator and its clinical application in thoracoscopic surgery. The stimulator is a monopolar system, that has a long extension between the electrodes and the handle. The stimulator is inserted into the chest cavity through a portal, and is used to distinguish motor nerves from the surrounding tissue and to determine whether there is nerve involvement with tumor. The tumor is then safely and rapidly resected by thoracoscopic technique and the major nerves are spared. This method was used in two clinical cases, with excellent results obtained, and with no major complications.