A useful technique for specimen extraction from the thorax: The vacuum-packing method

Abstract

Most thoracic surgeons have encountered a number of situations in which a specimen was too large to fit through a small intercostal incision. This report highlights a useful technique for specimen extraction from the thorax using a vinyl bag and a sucker. The sucker creates negative pressure, and the liquid and air components from the specimen are removed. The specimen can be deflated and removed from the thoracic cavity through the access incision. We call this method the 'vacuum-packing method'. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.