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Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine: Thoracic surgery (1193 words) |
 | Thoracic surgery is the repair of organs located in the thorax, or chest. |
| Thoracic surgery repairs diseased or injured organs and tissues in the thoracic cavity. |
| Candidates for thoracic surgery should be fully educated by their physician or surgeon on what their surgery will involve, the possible risks and complications, and requirements for postoperative care. |
| THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME (TOS) (3520 words) |
| Thoracic outlet syndrome is a term describing compression of the nerves (brachial plexus) and/or the vessels (subclavian artery and vein) to the upper limb. |
| The thoracic outlet is bounded by several structures: the anterior and middle scalene muscles, the first rib, the clavicle, and, at a lower point, by the tendon of the pectoralis minor muscle. |
| Since the thoracic outlet is a closed space, any intrusion or swelling such as from a fractured clavicle, hypertrophied or spasming muscle or tumor can lead to static compression of the structures that pass through that space. |
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