[Combined thoracoscopy in thoracoabdominal wounds using ultrasound, the CO2 laser and the plasma jet].

Under analysis is an experience with treatment of 178 patients with thoracoabdominal wounds. The authors have developed a rational curative methods and original thoracoscopic techniques, which allowed to considerably reduce the amount of thoracotomies. Thoracoscopy was performed in 157 (88%) of 178 patients.

[Surgical tactics in pleural empyema with regard to the use of a carbon dioxide laser and argon plasma].

The authors analyze the experience gained in treating 30 patients with acute and 23 with chronic pleural empyema. The management policy identified the following points. Laser thoracoscopic necrectomy and empyemic cavity sanitation are indicated in acute destructive pulmonitis.

[The thoracoscopic use of the CO2 laser in the combined treatment of pleural empyema].

A new method for treating acute pneumothorax with a bronchopleural fistula was experimentally developed and clinically tested. It is based on thoracoscopic use of CO2 laser radiation. The laser beam energy is employed for evaporation of necrotic tissues in the area of pulmonary destruction, "welding" of the bronchopulmonary fistulae, and general irradiation of the empyema cavity with a defocused beam.

[The use of a plasma scalpel during thoracoscopy for the treatment of traumatic and spontaneous pneumothorax].

The authors suggest performing thoracoscopic coagulation of pleuropulmonary defects with a plasma stream (VSVU-160 apparatus) in patients with traumatic and spontaneous pneumothorax. A special nozzle and a manipulation trocar were designed for this purpose. Such combined thoracoscopy was used successfully in 31 patients with open and closed chest injury with rupture of the subpleural bullae.