Background: Electrosurgical devices are largely employed in thoracic surgery but their use is burdened by extensive necrosis and second intention healing.
Methods: A rat model of thoracotomy was performed on 46 adult male rats using a standard electrocautery or a new quantum molecular resonance (QMR) instrument called Vesalius. Skin, muscle and lung specimens were obtained immediately and 2 weeks after surgery to evaluate acute and late effects.
Results: Both in the short- and long-term study, Vesalius produced less severe tissue damage than that of standard electrocautery.
Conclusions: The use of the QMR device may provide an alternative to gold-standard electrosurgical devices in thoracic surgery.
Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.