@article{JTD7946,
author = {Edward J. Caruana and Jakub Kadlec and Swetha Iyer and Aleksander Mani and Piergiorgio Solli and Marco Scarci},
title = {The Aquamantys® system improves haemostasis and pneumostasis in open decortication for thoracic empyema},
journal = {Journal of Thoracic Disease},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
year = {2016},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background: Decortication for thoracic empyema is associated with significant blood loss and prolonged postoperative air leak. We sought to assess the potential application of an irrigated-tip radiofrequency (RF) sealing device, in an attempt to reduce this morbidity.
Methods: Data for all patients undergoing open decortication (OD) for stage II thoracic empyema, using either conventional approach or facilitated by use of the Aquamantys® device, at a single thoracic surgical unit between April 2010 and July 2014, were retrospectively analysed. Unpaired t-test and Fisher’s exact test were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Thirty-three patients, aged 54±15 years (mean ± SD), and with a Charlson comorbidity index of 2.5±1.9 were included. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics, including surgical time, were similar in the conventional and Aquamantys® groups. Patients in the Aquamantys group were less likely to require red cell transfusion (9/22 vs. 10/11 patients, P=0.024) and received lower volume transfusions [0.0 (2.0) vs. 3.0 (1.6) units (median, IQR), P},
issn = {2077-6624}, url = {https://jtd.amegroups.org/article/view/7946}
}