Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy
A left anterolateral thoracotomy exposing the heart and lung. A Harken retractor (rib spreader) is being used to increase visibility
ICD-9-CM34.02
MeSHD013908

A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting open the chest wall to get access into the pleural cavity.[1] It is mostly done by specialist cardiothoracic surgeons, although emergency physicians or paramedics sometimes also perform the procedure under life-threatening circumstances.[2]

References

  1. ↑ thoracotomy at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  2. ↑ Martin-Ucar A, Socci L (2017). "Thoracic incisions for open surgery". Shanghai Chest. 1: 20. doi:10.21037/shc.2017.05.11.
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