Use of lasers in thoracoscopy.

The ND:YAG surgical laser is a safe and effective method for resection of pulmonary nodules using VATS. It may be used as the primary resecting tool or as an adjunct to endoscopic stapling techniques to provide optimal pulmonary tissue preservation, and to avoid injury to the lung from inappropriate stapler applications. Thoracoscopic laser resection is particularly suited for deep lesions and for surface nodules where staplers are inadequate. Laser ablation of bullous disease using thoracoscopy offers a minimally invasive method of treating symptomatic patients with complications from dominant bullae.