Mastering Instruments
Curved double-hinged VATS instrument
VATS utilizes dedicated double-hinged curved surgical instruments. While their curvature increases versatility, it also presents unique control challenges.
To ensure efficiency and success in VATS, the surgeon should master the following skills:
- Precisely maneuver the instrument to a specific point in the chest cavity.
- Develop depth perception by interpreting the endoscopic view on the screen.
- Efficiently open and close the instrument with either hand.
- Leverage the curvature of the instrument to simplify and enhance these tasks.
Laparoscopic Instruments
In addition to dedicated VATS instruments, thoracoscopic surgery often utilizes instruments originally designed for laparoscopic procedures. These instruments present unique challenges in VATS due to differences in anatomical access and procedural requirements
Straight Instruments...
Most laparoscopic instruments are straight, which hinders triangulation in the confined thoracic cavity.