A novel suction-based lung-stabilizing device for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical procedures

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become more commonly used in recent years. To provide a sufficient field of view during these procedures, surgeons must manipulate the lung using conventional devices such as cotton-tipped medical applicators and graspers. However, medical applicators are unable to pull on the target lung lobes, and graspers can damage the lung tissue. We developed a novel suction-based lung-stabilizing silicon device to easily and safely manipulate the lung in order to provide an optimal view during VATS procedures. Here, we describe the use of this device to successfully perform VATS lobectomy in a clinical setting.