[Possibilities of using plasma flow in lung surgery].

Experiments on 10 mongrel dogs demonstrated the efficacy and reliability of argon plasma flux in achieving hemo- and aerostasis in surgical debridement of gunshot wounds of the chest "Fakel" plasma surgical complexes were used as a source of plasma. A total of 43 operations were performed on patients whose ages ranged from 16 to 68 years: pulmonectomy 3, lobectomy 24, bilobectomy 4, atypical resection of the lung 4, pleurectomy with lung decortication 5, diagnostic thoracotomy 2, rib resection 1. Argon plasma flux was used in thoracotomy, treatment of wound surfaces of the lungs and pleura, separation of the interlobar fissures, and division of the main and lobar bronchi.

[Experimental studies after resection of the bronchi with a plasma scalpel].

Experimental studies on 18 mongrel dogs showed that resection of large bronchi can be accomplished effectively with a plasma scalpel even in the presence of purulent bronchitis. Reliable hemo- and aerostasis are provided, a marked bactericidal effect is produced, the zone of irreparable thermal changes is relatively small, and proliferative processes prevail in healing. The obtained information allow plasma scalpel to be recommended for resection of large bronchi in clinical practice.