Abstract
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been useful for resection of a cystic mass in the mediastinum. However, there are difficulties that a thin wall of the cyst are easy to rupture, and that a large and tension cyst also interferes with a thoracoscope vision. Therefore, we present herein a convenient method using a Foley catheter and dye. A cystic mass is punctured directly with a needle and the content is aspirated. After removal of the needle, an 18F Foley urethral catheter is inserted into the mass. Then, the balloon is inflated with normal saline, and the content in the mass is almost removed through another lumen of the Foley catheter. Next, the cystic mass is inflated with diluted indocyanine green (ICG) through the lumen, , and refilled with an adequate volume of ICG solution to detect the wall. The ICG solution is aspirated, and removal of the mass is accomplished simply by deflating the balloon. Finaly, the mass can be removed from the thoracic cavity. Using ICG can make the margin clearer. We have successfully treated 2 patients with this technique.
