Technical aspects of curved instruments and flexible cannulae.

This paper deals with the technological aspects of the design of curved instruments for endoscopic surgery. Straight and rigid instruments in combination with the fixed trocar site have the disadvantage of limiting the freedom of surgical manoeuvres, especially in thoracic procedures. Curved or articulated shafts increase the space accessible to these instruments and facilitate surgery. However, they require not only a flexible cannula for their insertion but also additional training on the part of the surgeon. The design and production of such instruments requires considerable care in order to ensure their durability and reliability.