Anterior approach for resection of the first rib and total scalenotomy.
We have found the technique described herein to be advantageous to previously described techniques for resection of the first rib. The vital structures--the brachial plexus, subclavian artery and vein--are all readily visualized with the anterior approach and, therefore, subject to less risk of injury intraoperatively.
D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D012272:Ribs / Q000601:surgery*; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods