At NorthShore, diagnosing and treating a variety of thoracic conditions can be done through advanced minimally invasive techniques that offer less pain, quicker recovery and minimal scarring than traditional surgery. At NorthShore, our thoracic surgery specialists are renowned for their expertise in performing minimally invasive thoracic surgery using both standard VATS and robotic assisted techniques.

Robotic Surgery - Robotic surgery combines the skills of your surgeon with the precision of an advanced computer assisted robotic system to achieve the best that modern surgery has to offer. At NorthShore, we use the da Vinci® Xi HD Surgical System to perform thoracic surgeries deep within the chest cavity with minimal pain and scarring.

NorthShore surgeons are leaders in robotic techniques with one of largest experiences in advanced robotic surgery within the entire region. The majority of major lung resections and esophageal resections are now performed with this technique.

Robotic procedures for thoracic conditions typically involve making tiny incisions on one side of your chest for the insertion of pencil-thin surgical instruments and a small video camera. The surgical team then attaches the da Vinci® robotic manipulating arms to the instruments. Sitting at an adjacent console, your surgeon controls the precise movements of the robotic arms, while looking at the operative field with an immersive 3D view provided by the video camera. The robotic system allows for optimal surgical resection and suturing using sophisticated miniaturized instruments—no matter how tight the space.

Standard Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) - VATS involves the use of a tiny camera (thoracoscope) to gain an up close view of the contents of the chest cavity. Pencil-thin endoscopic tools allow for the removal of diseased organ and tissue for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These surgical instruments are inserted into the chest area via small incisions made between the ribs. Unlike open surgery (thoracotomy), VATS is done without the need for large incisions or painful rib spreading.

For More Information

To schedule an appointment with one of our thoracic surgeons, please call 847.570.2868.