How To Treat And Prevent Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Decompression

Thoracic outlet decompression is a surgical procedure that may be considered for patients who have not improved with conservative treatment. The operation is performed with general anesthesia, and it can be completed with several surgical techniques. In the transaxillary technique, surgeons remove part of the first rib through an incision in the chest without disturbing the surrounding vessels or nerves.

Some surgeons will choose to use a supraclavicular method for the procedure. This involves making an incision just underneath the neck to expose the brachial plexus. The surgeon examines this area for trauma, and they might opt to remove muscles contributing to the compression. If needed, removing the first rib entirely can provide an additional reduction in compression. For cases in which extensive repair is required, an infraclavicular method may be used to repair compressed veins. This method requires a long incision underneath the collarbone and across the chest.

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