Video-assisted thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive operative endoscopic procedure designe d for visual inspection of the thoracic cavity. The use of small, highly ma neuverable, rigid telescopes allows visualization beyond what is possible b y standard operative techniques. The use of a small video camera attached t o a standard rigid telescope allows the operator and assistants to view a s imultaneous, enlarged, and clear image. This article focuses on the basic d iagnostic and surgical techniques used in veterinary video-assisted thoraco scopy.