Thoracotomy
Thoracotomy - Related Videos
09:11
Cell-based Therapy for Heart Failure in Rat: Double Thoracotomy for Myocardial Infarction and Epicardial Implantation of Cells and Biomatrix
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Cited by 8 •
2014
Implantation of a biograft to treat myocardial infarction induced by LAD ligation in a rodent model has conventionally required two open-heart surgeries. In order to reduce mortality and provide optimal conditions for fixation of solid and gelatinous biomatrices associated with cells, minimally invasive procedures have been developed.
04:43
Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
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2024
Here we introduce a standardized procedure for endotracheal intubation via tracheotomy followed by thoracotomy in rats, aimed at enhancing the precision and reproducibility of non-survival applications requiring invasive ventilation and exposure of thoracic organs in in vivo rat models.
08:50
Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
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Cited by 6 •
2018
The goal of this protocol is to describe in detail the technique of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through a right anterior mini-thoracotomy and central aortic cannulation. This technique can potentially enhance patients' comfort and, by reducing post-operative morbidity, promote lowering the length of stay and global costs.
09:22
Mouse Pneumonectomy Model of Compensatory Lung Growth
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Cited by 14 •
2014
Mouse pneumonectomy is a commonly employed model of compensatory lung growth. This procedure can be used in conjunction with lineage tracing or transgenic mouse models to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
08:22
A Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Model in Swine Using an Ameroid Constrictor
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Cited by 14 •
2017
The purpose of this protocol is to demonstrate the placement of a delayed constricting device (an ameroid constrictor) around a coronary artery in a swine model. This device creates an ischemic area of the heart that is useful for studying new diagnostic imaging techniques and new methods of treatment.
FAQs
Creating access to the pleural space requires dividing the chest wall tissues and widening the opening between the ribs. Because nerves, vessels, and lung tissue lie near this operative pathway, surgeons protect them while obtaining the exposure needed for treatment. This careful approach supports access without unnecessarily damaging adjacent thoracic structures.
Thoracotomy provides broad exposure and rapid access to the chest, whereas less invasive techniques are increasingly used when they can adequately support the planned treatment. The open approach remains particularly valuable when surgeons need a wide field or must reach thoracic disease or injury quickly rather than relying on limited access.
Depending on the operative goal, the approach can provide access to the lungs, esophagus, mediastinum, and major thoracic vessels. This range makes it useful for different forms of treatment within the chest, including removing tumors, repairing damaged tissue, and addressing conditions that require direct access to central thoracic structures.
Surgeons first make an incision through the skin and then divide the intercostal muscles, which are the muscles between the ribs. They spread the ribs to enter the pleural space and may resect a rib when necessary. Throughout these steps, the operative team protects nearby nerves, vessels, and lung tissue.
Thoracotomy may be selected when broad exposure is important for the planned operation or when rapid entry into the chest is required. Its applications include tumor removal and tissue repair involving thoracic organs and structures. Although less invasive methods are increasingly common, this approach remains useful when restricted access would not provide sufficient reach.
In traumatic injury within the chest, rapid access can be critical when surgeons need to identify and control bleeding. Thoracotomy provides direct exposure for emergency hemorrhage control and can also support repair of damaged tissue. Its value in this setting comes from combining immediate entry with a broad view of the thoracic cavity.