Procedure to visually examine the chest via small incisions and video equipment?

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) (thorac = thorax [chest] + scop = look + ic = pertaining to) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems of the chest. A tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted in the chest through small incisions. The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure. It can take a tissue sample for biopsy, remove tumors or remove entire lobes from the lung.