thoracotomy
Surgical chest entry
A thoracotomy is a surgical incision into the chest wall, typically made between the ribs to access the lungs, heart, or other structures within the thoracic cavity.
Surgeons perform thoracotomies for procedures ranging from lung biopsies to tumor removal to heart surgery.
The term distinguishes this open surgical approach from less invasive thoracoscopic procedures that use small incisions and cameras.
Controlled cut into tissue
- scalpelPrecise surgical knife
- retractorsDevices holding incisions open
- dissectCut open to examine
- sutureMedical wound closure
resection · lobectomy · pneumonectomy · sternotomy · hemostasis · clamps · drainage · closure
Pus in body cavity
- pneumothoraxAir in pleural space
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- esophagealOf the swallowing passage
- biopsyTissue sample for diagnosis
Induced loss of feeling
- operating-roomSurgical suite in hospitals
- surgeonPhysician who operates
- intubationPlacing airway tube
- ventilatorMechanical breathing apparatus
scrubs · gown · gloves · cardiothoracic · postoperative · recovery · anesthesiologist · monitoring
Bony chest enclosure
- pleuraMembrane around lungs
- mediastinumCentral chest cavity region
- sternumFlat chest bone
- diaphragmMuscle separating chest, abdomen
lung · bronchi · trachea · clavicle · scapula · intercostal · pericardium · pulmonary
Lasting psychological wound
- hemorrhageProfuse discharge of blood
- resuscitationRestoring vital functions
- stabilizeMake firm or constant
- criticalExpressing disapproval or importance
lifesaving · urgent · tamponade · clamshell
incision
Controlled cut into tissue
- scalpelPrecise surgical knife
- retractorsDevices holding incisions open
- dissectCut open to examine
suture · resection · lobectomy · pneumonectomy · sternotomy · hemostasis · clamps · drainage · closure · anterolateral
empyema
Pus in body cavity
- pneumothoraxAir in pleural space
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- esophagealOf the swallowing passage
anesthesia
Induced loss of feeling
- operating-roomSurgical suite in hospitals
- surgeonPhysician who operates
- intubationPlacing airway tube
ventilator · scrubs · gown · gloves · cardiothoracic · postoperative · recovery · anesthesiologist · monitoring · positioning
ribcage
Bony chest enclosure
- pleuraMembrane around lungs
- mediastinumCentral chest cavity region
- sternumFlat chest bone
diaphragm · lung · bronchi · trachea · clavicle · scapula · intercostal · pericardium · pulmonary · pleural
trauma
Lasting psychological wound
- hemorrhageProfuse discharge of blood
- resuscitationRestoring vital functions
- stabilizeMake firm or constant
critical · lifesaving · urgent · tamponade · clamshell
thoracotomyendoscopic surgery
Medical procedure via internal scope
keyhole surgery · non-invasive procedure · laparoscopic surgery · needle biopsy · medical management
thoracotomylaparotomy
Abdominal cavity access cut
craniotomy · abdominal surgery · pelvic surgery · cranial surgery