[Infrared coagulation in lung surgery].

Infrared coagulation (IRC) is a reliable method to stop surgical bleeding from the thoracic wall and proves to be superior to other forms of coagulation in this area. In pulmonary parenchyma IRC is used for sealing of parenchymal surfaces after atypical resections. Emphysematous bullae may be coagulated with IRC instead of over-swan. A main advantage in using IRC is that the surgical area not necessarily needs to be "dry" for application of IRC. Forced pressing of the IRC-applicator against the tissue prevents dissipation of light energy via running blood. There are no superficial carbonisations, instead there is coagulation inside the tissue.