Evaluation of LigaTie device for total lung lobectomy in small breed dogs - An ex vivo study

This study aimed to evaluate an effectiveness of airway-sealing techniques used in total lung lobectomies in small dog breeds. Total lung lobectomies were performed on five canine cadavers weighing 2.5–8 kg. Airway-sealing techniques were performed on two randomly selected lobes per cadaver. The airway-sealing techniques consisted of traditional suture ligation, Endoloop, and LigaTie. After applying all surgical methods, bronchial stump was collected from the tongue and prepared. The effectiveness of each airway-sealing technique was evaluated by submerging the bronchial stumps in saline, followed by intubation to gradually increase the airway pressure to 80 cmH2O to identify the presence of air leakage in each lobe. Seven of the ten lobes in the traditional suture ligation group had a leakage; the leakages were fatal in three lobes. A single fatal leak occurred in the Endoloop group, while no leakage was noted in the LigaTie group. Therefore, the LigaTie technique had a higher statistical efficacy than the traditional suture ligation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, the LigaTie application reduced the incidence of air leakage following total lung lobectomies in small dog breeds. •In terms of preventing air leakage, the application of LigaTie is a method applicable for total lung lobectomy in small-breed dogs.•After implementing Total lung lobectomy, it is necessary to evaluate whether airway sealing has done well.•In general, confirmation of air way sealing takes place between 25 and 30 cmH2O.•TA stapler can be difficult to apply in small breed dogs or cats' chests.