title: Anterior approach for resection of the first rib and total scalenotomy.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D012272:Ribs / Q000601:surgery*; D013901:Thoracic Outlet Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods