CARDIAC APPLICATIONS OF VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACIC-SURGERY

As experience with video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has grown, c ardiac applications of VATS are being explored. Simple cardiac procedu res including pericardiectomy and epicardial pacemaker lead placement are readily accomplished by VATS. More complex cardiac procedures are being investigated both in the laboratory and in the clinical arena. T otally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting has been successfull y performed in the animal model, Modification of existing instrumentat ion and techniques has had an enabling benefit. The human experience c onsists of predominantly a video assisted mini-thoracotomy approach wi th some successful promise, More advanced procedures including minimal ly invasive valve replacement are also being explored.