High-quality 3-dimensional imaging for patients with anomalous pulmonary veins.

The branching pattern of pulmonary veins exhibits many variations. Here we describe 2 patients with lung malignancies who were found to have pulmonary vein anomalies. We performed video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomies based on preoperative simulations by 3-dimensional computed tomography. Using 3-dimensional computed tomography, a surgeon can easily construct digital images of the patient's pulmonary vessels within a few minutes. Simulation using 3-dimensional computed tomography imaging is useful for further understanding of the surgical anatomy.