The modified "hemi-clamshell" approach for tumors of the cervicothoracic junction

Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 Jun;69(6):1961-3. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(00)01340-0.

Abstract

The anterior approaches proposed for treatment of the apical chest tumors (anterior transcervical, transmanubrial, and hemi-clamshell) have precise advantages and limits. To avoid these limits we have modified the hemi-clamshell with the resection of the first costal cartilage and the costoclavicular ligament. This allows a wider opening of the sternocostal flap, with safe control of the entire subclavian vessels as well as easier access to the T1 to T3 vertebral bodies and the posterior chest wall.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery*
  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pneumonectomy / methods
  • Ribs / pathology
  • Ribs / surgery
  • Subclavian Artery / pathology
  • Subclavian Artery / surgery
  • Subclavian Vein / pathology
  • Subclavian Vein / surgery
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery
  • Thoracotomy / methods*