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What is video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery?

The concept of minimally invasive surgery is a further development of the principle pioneered at Boston Children's Hospital with the introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

During this technique, a video scope is inserted into the chest through a "port," which is just a few millimeters in length. Three other ports allow instruments and retractors to be inserted. Our specialists use this approach to repair patent ductus arteriosus.

Like minimally invasive surgery, the video assisted technique is followed by more rapid recovery and minimal incisional pain. Current research is aimed at expanding the application of video-assisted throacoscopic surgery to other cardiac defects.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery | Programs & Services

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