Complete Fissures Research Articles

Quantifying lung fissure integrity using a three-dimensional patch-based convolutional neural network on CT images for emphysema treatment planning.

Evaluation of lung fissure integrity is required to determine whether emphysema patients have complete fissures and are candidates for endobronchial valve (EBV) therapy. We propose a deep learning (DL) approach to segment fissures using a three-dimensional patch-based convolutional neural network (CNN) and quantitatively assess fissure integrity on CT to evaluate it in subjects with severe emphysema. From an anonymized image database of patients with severe emphysema, 129 CT scans were used. Lung lobe segmentations were performed to identify lobar regions, and the boundaries among these regions were used to construct approximate interlobar regions of interest (ROIs). The interlobar ROIs were annotated by expert image analysts to identify voxels where the fissure was present and create a reference ROI that excluded non-fissure voxels (where the fissure is incomplete). A CNN configured by nnU-Net was trained using 86 CT scans and their corresponding reference ROIs to segment the ROIs of left oblique fissure (LOF), right oblique fissure (ROF), and right horizontal fissure (RHF). For an independent test set of 43 cases, fissure integrity was quantified by mapping the segmented fissure ROI along the interlobar ROI. A fissure integrity score (FIS) was then calculated as the percentage of labeled fissure voxels divided by total voxels in the interlobar ROI. Predicted FIS (p-FIS) was quantified from the CNN output, and statistical analyses were performed comparing p-FIS and reference FIS (r-FIS). The absolute percent error mean (±SD) between r-FIS and p-FIS for the test set was 4.0% (), 6.0% (), and 12.2% () for the LOF, ROF, and RHF, respectively. A DL approach was developed to segment lung fissures on CT images and accurately quantify FIS. It has potential to assist in the identification of emphysema patients who would benefit from EBV treatment.

The macroscopical anatomy of the lungs and thorax of the African lion (Panthera leo)

AbstractThe left and right lungs extend from the second rib to the 13th, while only a small portion is present cranial to the 4th rib. The basal border of the left lung extends horizontally from the second costochondral junction (CCJ) to just ventral to the seventh CCJ, and then dorso‐caudally to the angle of the 13th rib. The right lung has a similar configuration except for the basal border, which is located above the fifth to the sixth CCJ. The cardiac incisure is more prominent in the right lung and is formed by the notched space between the ventral margins of the cranial and middle lobes. The lungs are well‐lobated, with complete fissures laterally but none medially. The trachea and primary bronchi are large and have a wide, thin membranous part. The muscular front limbs could limit cranial thoracic expansion, with the result that the bulk of the functional lung capacity is present caudal to the tricipital line. Recommended sites for intracardiac injections are on either side of the fifth CCJ, and for thoracocentesis, just dorsal to the seventh or eighth CCJ. Care is needed while intubating a lion's trachea because of the delicate membranous part.

Robot-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with displaced B3 and absence of minor fissure: a case report.

B3 downward-shifting is a rare bronchial anomaly characterized by abnormal pulmonary arteries associated with downward displacement of B3 and complete fusion between the right upper and middle lobes. We report a case of robot-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy in a patient with lung cancer with B3 downward-shifting. An 81-year-old male was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer in S3 of the right upper lung. Preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed a B3 bronchus derived from the middle lobe bronchus and an anterior segmental pulmonary artery variation. Robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery right upper lobectomy with ND2a-1 was performed via four-port incisions and an assist incision. No interlobar fissure was observed between the right upper and middle lobes. After dissecting B1+2, the displaced B3 root was dissected. The displaced A3a was difficult to dissect because of an extremely severe complete fissure. Therefore, we dissected the bronchus preceding from the cranial side. To confirm a minor fissure, indocyanine green was administered intravenously, and the interlobar boundary was identified as the line separating the dark and green lung parenchyma. The boundary was divided using mechanical staples. No surgical complications occurred. Using three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and systemic indocyanine green administration, we successfully performed a right upper lobectomy through robot-assisted thoracic surgery.

Robotic Lobectomy without Complete Fissure for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Technical Aspects and Perioperative Outcomes of the Tunnel Technique.

Even though the use of the "fissure-last" technique in mini-invasive lobectomy with the fissureless condition is well accepted, in terms of perioperative outcomes, controversies still surround the hilar lymph node dissection. In this article, we reported a description of the robotic "tunnel technique" approach in the right upper lobectomy in the absence of a defined fissure. We then compared the short terms outcomes of 30 consecutive cases treated using this technique, with 30 patients treated using the "fissure last" VATS approach in the same institution, before the start of the robotic surgery program.

Safety and efficacy of Levorag emulgel in the treatment of anal fissures using a validated scoring system.

Anal fissure is one of the most common anal disease characterized by intense anal pain, and deterioration of patients quality of life. Treatment is mainly based on the topical administration of calcium antagonist or nitric oxide ointments, and in cases refractory to medical treatment patients can undergo surgery. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Levorag emulgel in the treatment of acute and chronic fissures using of a validated scoring system. A prospective observational study was carried out on patients with anal fissures between February and May 2022. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated using the REALISE score, a new validated scoring system that rates VAS for pain, NSAID use, pain duration, bleeding, and quality of life (QoL), recorded after 10, 20 and 30 days from the beginning of treatment. Forty patients (median age 46 years, IQR 29-57, 70% women) with acute (22, 55%) or chronic (18, 45%) anal fissures entered the study. The median anal pain score according to the VAS scale decreased significantly from 7 (IQR 4.7-8) at baseline to 1 (IQR 0-3.2, p = 0.05) after 20 days. At the 30-day proctological examination, 22 patients (61%) were pain free (median VAS of 0, IQR 0-1.2, p < 0.05). Pain duration after defecation measured according to the REALISE score, showed a significant decrease after 10 days, from a median value of 2 (IQR 1-4) to 1 (IQR 1-1.2) (p < 0.005). The median value of the REALISE score decreased significantly, from 15 (IQR 11-19.25) at first proctological evaluation to 4 (IQR 4-6, p = 0.139) after 30 days of treatment. At day 30, complete fissure healing was achieved in 30 patients (80%). The healing rate was 82% and 78% in patients with acute and chronic anal fissures, respectively. The use of Levorag® Emulgel may represent a safe and effective non-invasive first line treatment in patients affected by acute or chronic anal fissure.

Prevalence of incidental humeral intracondylar fissures in brachycephalic breed dogs in CT studies.

Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) have been predominantly reported in spaniel breeds and proposed to be possible risk factors for humeral condyle fractures (HCF). We hypothesized that the prevalence of incidental HIF in French Bulldogs may be greater than that of other brachycephalic breeds. A retrospective, observational, prevalence study was performed using CT examinations of French bulldogs and other brachycephalic breed dogs presenting for an unrelated condition. Two European College of Veterinary Diagnostic and Imaging-certified radiologists reviewed the images of the humeral condyles of these dogs. A classification system was devised to grade the findings. We considered a Score 1 to be normal, Score 2 to have centralised sclerosis, Score 3 to have a partial fissure and Score 4 to have a complete fissure. A total of 228 elbows were reviewed from 122 dogs. Of this population, 145 elbows were from French Bulldogs, 54 were from Pugs, and the remainder were from a mix of other brachycephalic breeds. The prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4) in elbows of the French bulldog, pug and other breed groups was 6.9% (CI 2.8-11%), 5.6% (CI 0-11.7%), and 3.4% (CI 0-10.15%), respectively. At a dog level, the prevalence of HIF (score 3 or 4 present in at least one elbow) was found to be 11.8% (CI 4.6-19%) in French Bulldogs, 11.1% (CI 0-22.9%) in Pugs, and 5.26% (CI 0-15%) in the other breed group. There was no significant difference between the breed groups. The inter-reviewer reliability for CT scoring of HIF based on Cohen's weighted kappa was low at 0.19.

EFFICACY OF AN IMPLANTABLE VALVE FOR TREATMENT OF ALVEOLOPLEURAL FISTULAS WITH PROLONGED AIR LEAKS

EFFICACY OF AN IMPLANTABLE VALVE FOR TREATMENT OF ALVEOLOPLEURAL FISTULAS WITH PROLONGED AIR LEAKS

The Prediction of Fissure Integrity by Quantitative Computed Tomography Analysis.

Incomplete interlobar fissure may increase the difficulty of thoracoscopic lobectomy. Herein, we compared the accuracy of visual versus quantitative analysis to predict fissure integrity in lung cancer patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy and evaluated the effects of fissure integrity on surgical outcome. This was a single-center retrospective study including consecutive patients undergoing VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) lobectomy for lung cancer. The target interlobar fissures were classified as complete or incomplete by visual and quantitative analysis. Using the intraoperative finding as the reference method, the diagnostic accuracy of the two methods to define fissure completeness (dependent variable) was calculated and statistically compared. Yet, we evaluated differences in postoperative outcomes between patients with complete and incomplete fissure integrity. A total of 93 patients were included in the study; 33/93 (36%) presented complete fissure. Visual and quantitative analyses correctly identified complete fissure in 19/33 (57%) and 29/33 (88%) patients, respectively, and incomplete fissure in 56/60 (93%) and 58/60 (96%) patients, respectively. Quantitative analysis had better diagnostic accuracy than visual analysis (81 vs. 93%; p = 0.01). Patients with incomplete fissure compared with those with complete fissure had a higher conversion rate (6 vs. 13%; p = 0.43), higher persistent air leak rate (0/33 vs. 14/60; p = 0.03), and longer hospitalization (12.6 ± 3.8 vs. 7.1 ± 2.4 days; p = 0.01). Quantitative analysis accurately predicted the fissures' integrity; it may be useful for selecting suitable cases for thoracoscopic lobectomy especially for surgeons with limited minimally invasive experience.

Robot-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer patients with incomplete fissure.

Robot-assisted thoracic surgery has gradually been accepted as an alternative treatment for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) owing to its advantages. However, severe incomplete interlobar fissure may lead to a high rate of conversion and postoperative morbidity. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the safety and efficiency of robot-assisted lung resection for patients with incomplete fissures (IFs). A retrospective review of medical records was performed in our institution from March 2021 to November 2021, and 207 patients with NSCLC who underwent robot-assisted anatomic lung resection were included in this study. Patients were divided into the IF group and the complete fissure (CF) group according to the level of fissure, which was determined based on the anatomical classification of pulmonary fissures. The number of patients in the IF and CF groups was 87 and 120, respectively. In univariate analysis, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of operative time (p = 0.66), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.26), chest tube duration (p = 0.41), incidence of prolonged air leakage (PAL, p = 0.49), or length of postoperative hospital stay (p = 0.25). No patients experienced bronchopleural fistula, pneumonia, or cardiovascular complications. The total cost in the IF group was higher than that in the CF group (¥83,655 ± 13,314 versus ¥78,211 ± 11,980, p = 0.002). IF does not increase the difficulty of lung cancer surgery with robotic platforms. Robot-assisted anatomic lung resection using the tunnel technique is an effective and safe method for IF patients.

Accuracy of multidetector computed tomography with maximum intensity projection technique in the assessment of fissure integrity.

BackgroundBronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) is a potential treatment for patients with severe emphysema, performed through the placement of unidirectional endobronchial valves (EBVs). Their benefits are only achieved in patients that significantly reduce lobar volume, and it is mandatory that the fissures are complete. Fissure evaluation is preferably done by computed tomography, but little is known if its evaluation corresponds to the anatomical findings. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of thoracic radiologists in the identification of complete fissures by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using maximum intensity projection (MIP) technique, compared with direct anatomical evaluation.MethodsProspective study, conducted in a single institution. Patients submitted to thoracic surgery had their fissures classified as complete or incomplete by thoracic surgeons and their preoperative chest scans evaluated by three radiologists, blinded for surgical evaluation. With the intraoperative categorization as a reference, the accuracy and concordance of the three thoracic radiologists’ evaluation were calculated. The most experienced radiologist evaluated the fissures at two different moments to estimate the intra-observer agreement.ResultsThere were included 67 patients, being 37 (55%) males, with a mean age of 64 years. The accuracy of radiological identification of complete fissures ranged from 76.8% for left posterior oblique fissure to 85.1% for left anterior oblique fissure, with the best performance achieved by the most experienced radiologist. The concordance of the radiological evaluation for fissure integrity compared to the surgical assessment (k) was 0.53–0.68. Intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.74 to 0.87.ConclusionsThe evaluation of the fissure integrity by MDCT analysis using MIP technique by thoracic radiologists had high accuracy among the thoracic radiologists.

What is the optimum treatment of chronic anal fissure?

Aim: To compare the efficacy of topical Glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% (GTN) with Lateral internal spincterotomy (LIS) for treating chronic anal fissure (CAF). Methodology: A randomized control trial was carried out in the general surgery department, Lady reading hospital, LRH MTI, Peshawar (January 2018 to July 2018). All consecutive patients 18 to 60 year old presenting to OPD with a clinical diagnosis of chronic anal fissure were enrolled after informed consent. A total of 60 patients were enrolled. The patients were assigned two groups, including treatment group A (lateral internal spinterotomy) or treatment group B (use of Topical GTN ointment 0.2%). Results: Out of the 60 patients, 30 were enrolled into each group. The female had majority of 57% (group A) and 60% (group B). Mean duration regarding symptoms in group A was 1 year with SD ± 3.51 vs 1 year ± 2.98 in group B. Majority of patients in both groups were in the 20 to 40 years age group (74% in group A vs 83% in group B). Complete fissure healing and resolution of symptoms was observed in 27(91%) in group A vs 20(66%) in group B. Conclusion: In conclusion, we derive that lateral internal spincterotomy is more effectual than Topical Glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% for treating chronic anal fissure. Keywords: Chronic anal fissure, lateral internal spincterotomy, Glyceryltrinitrate

Outcomes of Fissurectomy and Advancement Flap in Management of Chronic Anal Fissure

Chronic anal fissure is a painful linear tear in the mucocutaneous junction of the distal part of the analcanal and involves the full thickness of mucosa, causing severe pain may last even hours after defecation.Usually,it occurs along the midline either anterior or posterior,if it presents off the midline, other pathologymight be associated with. Unhealed anal fissure after 6-8 weeks is defined chronic, with the presence of othercriteria,it unlikely heals with medical treatment, and surgery is mandatory after pharmacological treatmentfailure. Lateral internal sphincterotomy had high healing rate, but unfortunately, with risk of incontinence.Fissurectomywithcomplete excision of the fissure keeping the internal anal sphincter intact,and anadvancement flap of well vascularized tissue is transferred to cover the base of fissure and improve healing.This study mainly aiming to analyze the outcome of fissurectomy with advancement flap procedure in thetreatment of chronic anal fissure and highlight its advantage in terms of healing rate and complicationsespecially anal incontinence.During a period of about 5 years 345 patients (260 males and 85 females), havebeen included in this study and were diagnosed as cases of chronic anal fissure. After administration of localanesthetic,fissurectomywith advanced flap was performed. Patients had been followed up regularly for 6-24months. Data collected and statistical analysesby using SPSS. About 75% ofpatients were males while, 25% were females, their ages were between 20-59 year, most of the patients werein thirties, nevertheless most of the females were in twenties.Mean time for wound healing was 10 days.Whilst complete fissure healing process lasting approximately one month. About 11.9% of the patients takemore than one month to complete healing process. Healing rate was 100% after the follow up period of 6-24months. Recurrence developed only in 2% of the patients. None of the patients developed incontinence,anal stenosis, key hole deformity, necrosis or urine retention. From this study concluded Fissurectomy withadvancement flap in the treatment of chronic anal fissure is cost effective procedure, can be done under LAwith least time-off work, with low complication, low recurrence,and no incontinence.

Novel thoracoscopic lymph node dissection techniques for left upper lobectomy with a fused fissure

: Currently, lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection (LND) is the standard surgical procedure for early stage, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Several issues may arise when performing a lobectomy such as a fused fissure, especially during thoracoscopic surgery. In this case, performing hilar LND in a conventional manner may be difficult. Since both hilar and mediastinal LND are essential procedures during surgery for NSCLC, it is crucial to achieve both safe lobectomy and precise systematic LND in fused fissure cases. To address this difficult situation, we have developed the following three novel thoracoscopic techniques that focus on LND: (I) the “anterior fissure first technique”, (II) the “#4L-posterior first technique”, and (III) the “anterior #7 dissection technique”. First, the anterior fissure first technique enables the operator to view the entire hilar lymph node, similar to a situation with a complete fissure, and allows the hilar LND to proceed in a conventional manner. Second, when using the #4L-posterior first technique, the left lower paratracheal (#4L) LND is straightforward since the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) has already been dissected, and only the anterior area of #4L remains to be dissected. Finally, during the anterior #7 dissection technique, when performing the subcarinal (#7) LND, we do not dissect between the dorsal side of the trachea and esophagus. Consequently, the bronchial artery (BA) is preserved and postoperative ischemic change in the bronchial stumps is prevented. We believe that our techniques are oncologically appropriate and enable the safe and straightforward execution of precise thoracoscopic lobectomy and systematic LND, even in cases of fused fissures.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy through the pulmonary hilum approach for the treatment of congenital lung malformation.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy is widely accepted for the treatment of congenital lung malformations (CLM), owing to its advantages. However, severe incomplete interlobar fissure may lead to a high rate of conversion to thoracotomy and postoperational complications. Thoracoscopic lobectomy utilizing the pulmonary hilum approach may be an effective and safe method to resolve these problems. This retrospective study was conducted to estimate the safety and efficiency of this approach. A retrospective review of medical records was performed in our institution, from January 2014 to December 2019, and 432 patients with CLM who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy through the pulmonary hilum approach were included in this study. Patients were divided into the incomplete fissure (IF) group and complete fissure (CF) group according to the level of fissure, which was proposed by an anatomical classification of pulmonary fissures. Patients in the IF and CF groups were 131 and 301, respectively. In univariate analysis, there were statistical significances between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.04), surgical time (P = 0.01), the number of chest tube drainages (P < 0.01), and the total length of hospital stay (P = 0.03). However, no patients experienced bronchopleural fistula, postoperative pneumonia, or conversion to thoracotomy in either group. Five patients experienced prolonged air leakage in the IF group, and no prolonged air leakage occurred in the CF group. An IF would certainly increase the difficulty of CLM surgery, and thoracoscopic lobectomy using the pulmonary hilum approach is an effective and safe method for CLM patients.

A Cadaveric Study of Splenic Fissures and Bilobed Spleen.

ObjectivesAnatomical knowledge regarding the external morphology of the spleen is essential for surgical intervention and radiological diagnosis. A characteristic feature of the spleen is the presence of splenic notches at the superior border; however, such notches rarely extend deep enough to be considered fissures or to separate the spleen into multiple lobes. To date, there are very few cadaveric reports of splenic fissures. This study aimed to examine the anatomy and morphological structure of spleens collected from cadavers in order to identify the prevalence and clinical significance of splenic notches, fissures and lobation.MethodsThis study was conducted at the Department of Anatomy, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 50 spleens were collected from cadavers over a period of seven years from 2012–2019 and examined to determine the presence of splenic notches or fissures.ResultsOf the 50 spleens, 40% had notches at the superior border, 10% had notches at the inferior border and 50% had no notches at either border. Fissures were present in five spleens (10%); of these, three showed incomplete fissures and the remaining two had complete fissures that divided the spleen into two lobes.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide valuable information regarding the anatomy and prevalence of splenic fissures and bilobed spleens. A bilobed spleen is a rare congenital malformation which should be considered distinct from other known splenic anomalies. The presence of splenic fissures in bilobed spleens can serve as a guide for surgeons during conservatory splenectomy procedures.

Evaluation of the Microbiological Profile of Alveolar Residual Screws and Cleft-Adjacent Teeth in Individuals With Complete Unilateral Fissures.

To evaluate the microbiota profile of residual alveolar slits and teeth adjacent to the cleft in fissured individuals. This study used a cross-sectional design. Twenty individuals, aged 14 to 24 years, who had a residual fissure in the maxillary alveolar ridge region were selected. Three sites per individual were selected for microbiological collection (the site of the residual cleft and the 2 nearest teeth). The samples were analyzed using the Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique for 73 species of bacteria. All the species analyzed were found in the 2 niches (slits and teeth). The bacterial species present in the largest number in the residual cracks were Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella nigrescens, and Streptococcus mitis. With regard to the bacterial profiles in the mesial and distal faces, the most prevalent species were P nigrescens, Veillonella parvula, and Fusobacterium nucleatum sp vicentii. The analysis of all the collected samples demonstrated very similar profiles for the mesial and distal faces, with these 2 sites even presenting the same species in greater frequencies. Higher counts of 20 bacterial species (Wilcoxon test) were observed in the dental niche, in relation to the fissure, particularly, P nigrescens, V parvula, F nucleatum sp vicentii, and Neisseria mucosa. Some species were significantly more prevalent in the residual alveolar fissures and in adjacent teeth. The comparison between the profiles of the 2 niches demonstrated large differences in the most frequent species in the teeth, and no qualitative differences with regard to specific pathogens.

An Integrative Approach of the Fissure Completeness Score and Chartis Assessment in Endobronchial Valve Treatment for Emphysema.

PurposeLung volume reduction using one-way endobronchial valves is a bronchoscopic treatment for patients with severe emphysema without collateral ventilation between the treatment target lobe and the ipsilateral lobe(s). CT-scan fissure analysis is often used as a surrogate to predict the absence of collateral ventilation. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the fissure completeness score (FCS) compared to the functional Chartis measurement of collateral ventilation and to provide cut-off values of the FCS in patient selection.Patients and MethodsMulticenter study in patients eligible for treatment with one-way valves. The FCS was calculated by quantitative CT analysis (Thirona, the Netherlands) and compared to status of interlobar collateral ventilation measured with Chartis system (PulmonX, USA). Thresholds were calculated for the predictive values of the presence of collateral ventilation.ResultsAn FCS >95% of the left major fissure had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91%, with 1 in 11 fissures demonstrating collateral ventilation with Chartis measurement, whereas an FCS of ≤80% had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% for the presence of collateral ventilation. For the right major fissure, the NPV was 100% for an FCS ≤90%, but 69.7% for the right upper lobe fissure.ConclusionQuantitative CT analysis is recommended in all patients evaluated for endobronchial valves. Patients with incomplete fissures (left major fissure: FCS <80%; right major fissure: <90%) can be excluded from Chartis measurement and endobronchial valve treatment. In patients with more complete fissures, the FCS is not specific enough for endobronchial valve treatment decisions. In this case, additional Chartis measurements are always recommended in the right lung. For the left lung, Chartis assessments may be omitted if the FCS is >95%.

Combined Thoracoscopic Surgical Stapling and Endobronchial Valve Placement For Lung Volume Reduction With Incomplete Lobar Fissures: An Experimental Pilot Animal Study.

In patients with severe emphysema and complete fissures, bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with valves reduces target lobe volume providing improvement in respiratory symptoms, lung function, quality of life, and exercise capacity. It is estimated that up to 88% of patients with emphysema have at least 1 incomplete interlobar fissure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of creating a complete fissure with stapling via minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) followed by bronchoscopic valve placement to induce lobar collapse in a swine model. Chest computed tomography (CT) scans were performed on 2 swine and at least 1 target incomplete fissure was identified. Both swine underwent VATS to complete the target fissure using a surgical stapler, followed by bronchoscopic placement of the Spiration endobronchial valves. A chest CT scan was performed immediately postprocedure. Follow-up bronchoscopy and CT scans were performed 2 weeks after the initial procedure prior to sacrifice. Successful fissure completion was accomplished using VATS and confirmed at postmortem explanted lung gross examination. Flexible bronchoscopy 2 weeks following valve placement showed proper positioning of the valves. Effectiveness of combined procedures was confirmed by a chest CT scan that showed complete atelectasis of the target lobe at 2-week follow-up. There was no perioperative or postoperative morbidity or mortality. Combined minimally invasive VATS fissure stapling with bronchoscopic valve placement to induce lobar atelectasis appears safe and feasible in the swine model. Future research in humans using a combined procedure is needed to confirm safety and clinical efficacy.

Orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty in a patient with a transverse facial cleft

BackgroundTransverse facial clefts are Tessier’s number 7 facial cleft among numbers 1–15 in Tessier’s classification of craniofacial malformations, which varies from a simple widening oral commissure to a complete fissure extending towards the external ear.Case presentationIn a patient with a transverse facial cleft, to functionally arrange the orbicularis oris muscle and form the oral commissure naturally, we performed a surgical procedure including orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty.ConclusionWe achieved good results functionally and esthetically by orbicularis oris muscle reconstruction and cheiloplasty with Z-plasty. The surgical modality of our anatomical repair and 3 months follow-up results are presented.

Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Using Endobronchial Valves: How to Do It

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. Over the last decade, many studies have validated the use of endobronchial valves (EBVs) for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) in patients who are persistently symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. We aimed to review the literature and describe appropriate patient selection and procedural considerations. BLVR using EBVs leads to an improvement in FEV1, 6-min walk distance, and health-related quality of life. Two valve systems have recently obtained FDA approval for use for this indication. Appropriate selection of the target lobe and assessment of fissure integrity using quantitative imaging software are essential to obtain best possible outcomes. EBVs are a viable treatment option, with manageable complications, for patients with COPD who have hyperinflation and refractory symptoms, when there is complete fissure integrity (no collateral ventilation).