sternotomy
Splitting the sternum
A sternotomy is a surgical incision through the breastbone (sternum), typically performed to access the heart for open-heart surgery, bypass procedures, or valve replacements.
The sternum is then spread apart with retractors to expose the thoracic cavity.
The surgeon performed a median sternotomy to access the damaged aortic valve.
Relating to chest organs
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- operating-roomSurgical suite in hospitals
- surgeonPhysician who operates
- anesthesiaInduced loss of feeling
instruments · antiseptic · vascular · CABG · transplant · monitoring
Controlled cut into tissue
- scalpelPrecise surgical knife
- thoraxCentral body cavity
- ribcageBony chest enclosure
- mediastinumCentral chest cavity region
retractors · clamps · dissection · hemostasis · midline · cautery · draping · marking
Permanent mark from healing
- granulationMaking into small grains
- collagenStructural body protein
- fibroblastsCollagen-producing connective tissue cells
- inflammationProtective tissue response
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- nonunionWithout labor organization
- malunionImproper fracture healing
- osteomyelitisBacterial infection of skeleton
- bleedingBlood loss from injury
Medical wound closures
- staplesSmall metal paper-binders
- approximationNear but inexact value
- adhesiveMaterial that bonds objects
- rewiringReplacing electrical connections
Post-illness healing phase
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- physiotherapyTreatment restoring bodily function
- mobilityCapacity for movement
cardiothoracic
Relating to chest organs
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- operating-roomSurgical suite in hospitals
- surgeonPhysician who operates
anesthesia · instruments · antiseptic · vascular · CABG · transplant · monitoring
incision
Controlled cut into tissue
mediastinum · retractors · clamps · dissection · hemostasis · midline · cautery · draping · marking · exposure
scar
Permanent mark from healing
- granulationMaking into small grains
- collagenStructural body protein
- fibroblastsCollagen-producing connective tissue cells
infection
Pathogen invasion causing illness
- nonunionWithout labor organization
- malunionImproper fracture healing
- osteomyelitisBacterial infection of skeleton
sutures
Medical wound closures
- staplesSmall metal paper-binders
- approximationNear but inexact value
- adhesiveMaterial that bonds objects
convalescence
Post-illness healing phase
- rehabilitationRecovery from injury/addiction
- physiotherapyTreatment restoring bodily function
- mobilityCapacity for movement
sternotomyminimally invasive surgery
Operations using small cuts
keyhole surgery · endoscopic surgery · robotic surgery · non-invasive treatment · laparoscopic surgery