sternotomy

sternotomy /ster·not·o·my/ (ster-not´ah-me) the operation of cutting through the sternum.

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ster·not·o·my (str-nt-m)

n.

An incision into or through the sternum.

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sternotomy

incision of the sternum as an approach for a thoracotomy. The incision may be median, through the midline, or transverse, most commonly as an extension of an intercostal thoracotomy incision, across the sternum and up the other side.