A model to assist training in thoracoscopic surgery

VATS is a relatively new technology that has become the standard for therapy and diagnosis of lung disease. However, there are few detailed descriptions of VATS education and training in the available literature. We have thus made a thoracoscopic trainer that is very helpful and practical for refining thoracoscopic skills. The mechanism of this trainer is based on circulating vessels in a lung, which were covered with a plastic replica of the human body. A thoracoscope and minimally invasive instruments are able to access the lung from the trocar in a replica that is life sized. The trainer consists of three disposable components: artificial pulmonary vessels, the lung, and parts connecting to the heart pump. The model was tested in a seminar of minimally invasive lung surgery, and compared to the Wet-Lab. The model was shown to reproduce the human anatomical situation in a video assisted thoracic lobectomy. Due to its perfect simulation, quality, simple handling, and economic benefits, this trainer serves to enhance the training of thoracic surgeons, simultaneously decreasing the number of animal experiments. It is recommended for all surgeons, students, and medical assistant trainees embarking on thoracoscopic work.