Thoracotomy

thoracotomy /tho·ra·cot·o·my/ (-kot´ah-me) pleurotomy; incision of the chest wall.

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tho·ra·cot·o·my (thôr-kt-m)

n.

Incision into the chest wall. Also called pleurotomy.

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Thoracotomy

Open chest surgery.

Mentioned in: Thoracoscopy

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thoracotomy

incision of the chest wall; may be intercostal, by rib resection or trans-sternal.

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transsternal thoracotomy

the usual intercostal incision is extended across the sternum to the opposite intercostal space. Used when very wide exposure to the thorax is required.