Surgical approaches to the thorax

The two top causes of thoracic trauma are

Pulmonary contusion and pneumothorax

Which surgical approach to the thorax offers most exposure

lateral thoracotomy intercostal

Left lateral thoracotomy o reach the thoracic duct in a cat is located where

8th interspace

Right lateral thoracotomy the thoracic duct is located where

8th intercostal space

What is the approach to a left 4th lateral thoracotomy

elevate thorax so 4th intercostal space is highest point

In the left 4th lateral thoracotomy, you cut across the intercostal muscles. What do you need to stay away from

neurovascular bundle at caudal margin of 4th rib

When doing a lateral thoracotomy what do you need to be careful of

Do not suture intercostal muscles, do not overlap ribs

Left lateral thoracotomy postoperative care includes what

Analgesia- intercostal nerve blocks

indications for median sternotomy

access to entire lung field for exploratory

Can you treat a PDA or PRAA with median sternotomy

no

How to close median sternotomy

thoracostomy tube placed

sternabrae closed with orthopedic wire

When doing a median sternotomy where do you place the tube

stab incision over7-9th ICS tunnel cranially 1-2 spaces to enter pleural space