Thoracic Surgery

If you have nerves that are compressed in the shoulder or by the first rib, or a compressed subclavian vein or artery, that is causing pain, numbness, weakness or swelling in the arm and hand you may be a candidate for thoracic surgery. Surgery relives the symptoms by removing the first rib. When your vein becomes blocked it can cause a blood clot that may require emergency clot dissolving treatment first and later operation to remove the first rib to relieve the compression.

Ignored or unchecked symptoms of compression in the main artery in your arm can lead to damage not only to the artery, but the blood clots that can form may move to your hand resulting in hand ischemia that is a lack of oxygen which could lead to the loss of your hand.

Symptoms Include?

• Swelling in your arm

• Weakness in your arm or hand

• A tired feeling in your arm that increases if you raise your arm over your head.

• Tingling or a numb feeling in your arm and hand

• Pain

What causes thoracic problems?

Sometime people are born with an extra rib, fracture of your collarbone or your first rib, poor posture or loss of muscle tone associated with aging. Sometimes these problems can narrow the thoracic outlet. It is rare for pacemakers to cause issue with your thoracic outlet.

Your surgeon may decide to do a procedure called angioplasty as well. This is done by inserting a long, thin tube, called a catheter through the artery in your arm or leg; the surgeon will guide it to the blocked artery in the thoracic outlet. By inflating a tiny balloon your vascular surgeon is able to expand the narrowed artery. A stent may be required to support the expanded artery. And some form of decompression surgery will be required to keep the blood vessel from getting compressed again. Your vascular surgeon can advise you regarding the best treatment for your particular situation.

How to stay healthy

If you practice good posture, take frequent breaks to stretch when you're working, lose weight if you are overweight and avoid lifting heavy objects over your head you will be able to assist yourself in remaining healthy.

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