Use of vessel sealing system for multiple partial lung lobectomies for spontaneous pneumothorax.

A wolf hybrid dog was presented for dyspnea and tachypnea. Thoracic radiographs revealed a pneumothorax. A median sternotomy was performed, and multiple pulmonary blebs were identified on several lung lobes. Multiple partial lung lobectomies were performed using a vessel sealing system. The dog was discharged 4 days after surgery free of clinical signs related to surgery or pneumothorax. This case represents a novel utilization of a vessel sealing system to remove the apex of the lung when there are numerous pulmonary lesions present. Key clinical message: A vessel sealing system simplified multiple partial lung lobectomies in an open thoracotomy. The system reduced tissue trauma as well as the amount of normal pulmonary tissue removed while efficiently creating a seal. Copyright and/or publishing rights held by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.