Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) (thorac = thorax [chest] + scop = look + ic = pertaining to) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems of the chest. A tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted in the chest through small incisions. The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure. It can take a tissue sample for biopsy, remove tumors or remove entire lobes from the lung.
This procedure is called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). It involves making small incisions in the chest and inserting a thoracoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) to examine the chest cavity. The surgeon can then visualize the chest structures on a monitor and perform any necessary procedures, such as biopsies or removal of diseased tissue, through the same small incisions.
to examine visually
-scope
An ophthalmoscope.
An ophthalmoscope.
otoscope
An otoscope is the instrument used to visually examine the tympanic membrane.Otoscope
laparoscopy
Endoscopy is a procedure used to visually examine your upper digestive system with a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. A doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system (gastroenterologist) uses endoscopy to diagnose and, sometimes, treat conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).
otoscope
Endocscopy is a common procedure performed to examine and treat a portion of the digestive system. In endoscopy, a "scope" or camera is inserted into the digestive tract to examine its structures.
Zero
A cystascope is a device that is used for a procedure known as cystoscopy. This is a procedure that will examine the inner parts of the urethra and inner bladder.