Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Thoracoscopic evaluation and treatment of thoracic trauma
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Missouri 63110-0250, USA.
Abstract:
VATS has a diagnostic and therapeutic role in the treatment of patients with chest trauma, but the basic rule of safety over technology must be applied. It is an effective means for managing diaphragmatic injuries, hemothorax, empyemas, and persistent air leaks in selected hemodynamically stable patients. An overview of reported series (Table 1) demonstrates that VATS can be used successfully in the evaluation of patients with blunt and penetrating trauma. In appropriately selected cases, thoracoscopy can prove to be useful, with conversion to thoracotomy in only 10% of patients. Additional studies must be performed to determine any cost benefit compared with conventional therapy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

