Magnetic anchoring guidance system in video-assisted thoracic surgery

The magnetic anchoring guidance system (MAGS) is one of the most promising technological innovations in minimally invasive surgery and consists in two magnetic elements matched through the abdominal or thoracic wall. The internal magnet can be inserted into the abdominal or chest cavity through a small single incision and then moved into position by manipulating the external component. In addition to a video camera system, the inner magnetic platform can house remotely controlled surgical tools thus reducing instruments fencing, a serious inconvenience of the uniportal access. The latest prototypes are equipped with self-light-emitting diode (LED) illumination and a wireless antenna for signal transmission and device controlling, which allows bypassing the obstacle of wires crossing the field of view (FOV). Despite being originally designed for laparoscopic surgery, the MAGS seems to suit optimally the characteristics of the chest wall and might meet the specific demands of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) surgery in terms of ergonomics, visualization and surgical performance; moreover, it involves less risks for the patients and an improved aesthetic outcome.