In order to evaluate the thoracoscopy access, biopsies were carried out in eight mongrel dogs maintained under appropriate conditions of handling and feeding. The patients were prepared to aseptic and atraumatic surgery approaching the thoracic cavity by means of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Myocardial biopsies were carried out with conventional surgical instruments as an alternative to the clamps of video surgery. The effectiveness of the procedure was confirmed by mean time (15 minutes) elapsed from thoracic approach and biopsies obtainment to thoracic wall suture. VATS is a secure and appropriate technique to carry out myocardial biopsies that minimize postoperative discomfort in patients submitted to thoracic approach.
dog; heart; biopsy; video-assisted surgery
