A novel technique to prevent intra-operative pneumothorax in awake coronary artery bypass grafting: biomaterial neo-pleura.

OBJECTIVE Pneumothorax caused by damaged pleura represents the biggest obstacle in awake coronary artery bypass grafting. In order to safely perform this surgery, a new technique was developed to close the damaged pleura. METHODS A rub-and-spray method was employed using polyglycolic acid nonwoven fabric and fibrin glue. At first, some fibrinogen solution was rubbed on the edge of the pleural defect and then the PGA fabric was placed and the fibrinogen and thrombin solutions were sprayed. Using a thorax model, the burst pressure caused by positive pressure and the influence of negative pressure, moisture, time, continuous respiratory movement and pleural defect size were examined. In an animal experiment using pigs, the duration spent on repair was measured and any air leakage from the pleura was also identified. RESULTS In the thorax model, the burst pressure was 355.9+/-55.8 mmHg with positive pressure and no significant difference in negative pressure, moisture, time and respiratory moment was identified. However, there was a significant difference in the defect size. In the animal model, repair was easily achieved regardless of the defect size or location and air leakage was not seen after repair. The average duration of repair was 21.0s. CONCLUSIONS The present method achieved a strong closure with sufficient durability. Since the fabric is soft and flexible and suturing is not required, moving and fragile pleura can be easily repaired regardless of the defect location and size. Once established, the present method may be used in other forms of awake thoracic surgery or reconstruction of the thorax.