Port-a-Cath systems consist of a port chamber, usually made of a plastic-metal mixture, with a silicone cover through which the respective infusion can be introduced into the port system using a puncture needle. The port chamber is connected to a thin catheter that leads through a large vein directly to the heart. Infusions thus enter the central blood vessel system directly and can be distributed optimally throughout the body. The port chamber and the thin catheter are usually inserted under the skin in the upper chest area under local anesthesia, and the position of the port catheter is checked using X-ray imaging in the operating room. Immediately after the operation, the system can be used for chemotherapy, for example.

Most procedures in this area can be performed using minimally invasive techniques, i.e., keyhole surgery. Thoracoscopy is often used for diagnostic purposes, biopsies are taken, and the lungs and pleura are inspected. In some cases, fluid accumulations occur that are resistant to treatment. In these cases, surgery is performed to adhere the lung and pleura so that there is no longer so much fluid in the chest cavity that breathing becomes difficult. After chest surgery, a drain must be inserted for a short time to remove excess fluid and air.  

Processes in the skin often involve atheromas, which are caused by blocked sebaceous glands. Lipomas can form under the skin, in the fatty tissue, which may not only be aesthetically disturbing, but can also be painful and interfere with dressing. 

Atheromas are prone to inflammation and recurrence, so they should be removed when possible if there is no acute inflammation. In most cases, the entire atheroma, including its capsule, can be removed under local anesthesia after making an incision in the skin. The same applies to subcutaneous lipomas. However, it should be noted that if the diameter exceeds 5 cm, an atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) must be ruled out. This is done by means of an ultrasound-guided punch biopsy. If malignancy has been ruled out, the lipoma can be completely removed after a skin incision, usually under local anesthesia only. 

Surgery on the lungs can usually be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Partial lung resection must be considered, for example, in cases of (recurrent) pneumothorax, i.e., collapse of the lung due to air entering the pleural cavity. Malformations, usually at the tips of the lungs, known as bullae, cause tearing and air to flow from the lungs into the chest cavity. This leads to shortness of breath, which is primarily treated with suction drainage. This sucks out the air and allows the lungs to expand again and participate in gas exchange. After sufficient diagnosis, the cause can then be remedied by partial resection of the diseased section of the lung. Superficial metastases from other tumors can also be removed minimally invasively by partial lung resection. After the procedure, suction drainage must be inserted into the chest cavity for a short period of time so that excess air and fluid can be removed and the lung can fully expand.