What are important anatomic landmarks and surgical techniques for thoracoscopic surgery?

Intercostal arteries come from descending aorta. • Classical thoracotomy techniques (5th intercostal space incision), big and multiple retractors used: - invasive, - trauma to chest wall muscles, - trauma to intercostal nerves with longterm consequences (chest wall paresthesia) due to retractors and closure stitches, - chronic pleuritic pain (weather changes). • Minimally invasive video-assisted techniques (VATS) avoid most of these side effects.