Development of a basic instrumentation for operative thoracoscopy.

The basic instrumentation for operative thoracoscopy presented here comprises mechanical instruments used for dissection as well as HF instruments and flexible trocars. Their basic shapes and dimensions are adapted to the anatomy of the thorax. Separating the mechanical and optical elements permits a high degree of precision and safety in operations ranging from the thoracic wall, the mediastinum and the oesophagus to the lung.