From the 1960s to the late 1980s, thoracic surgeons were designing access routes for thoracic surgery. This led to the creation of numerous thoracic surgical incisions. The purpose of these incisions was simply to minimize damage to the chest wall muscles and to reduce the impact on the function of the shoulder joint. This has led to what is often referred to as small incisions in the chest. These incisions were in contrast to the standard classic posterior lateral incision. Later on, with advances in medical devices and lighting, small incisions developed rapidly and classical incisions were significantly reduced. These small incision procedures have reduced surgical injuries and pain to some extent. It is part of the minimally invasive techniques in the chest. In the late 1980s, with the advancement of technology, TV laparoscopic surgery emerged and soon TV thoracoscopic surgery was reported. It has been reported in China since the early 1990s. The emergence of TV thoracoscopic surgery is the most significant advancement in minimally invasive thoracic technology. Due to the obvious advantages of minimally invasive, the application has spread very rapidly. From initial thoracic exploration, abscess chest removal, and pneumothorax surgery to current anatomical lobectomy, total lumpectomy for esophageal surgery, and thymus surgery, the indications for surgery have been expanding. Although the perception in the treatment of malignant tumors is still controversial, there is a wide consensus on televised thoracoscopic surgery for relatively early stage tumors. Compared with traditional open-heart surgery, the operation of TV thoracoscopic surgery has been a world of difference. Operators are required to have solid experience, skills, and risk control in open-heart surgery. Secondly, imported instruments for the surgery are more expensive, which also limits the further application of TV thoracoscopic surgery. However, with the advancement of technology, the cost should be gradually reduced. Minimally invasive operation in thoracic surgery has been the general trend, but it is difficult to completely replace the traditional surgical approach under the current treatment model.