VASCULAR SURGERY
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome : First Rib Resection
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas is one of the nation ’ s leading treatment centers for thoracic outlet syndrome ( TOS ) – a condition where the nerve , artery and vein between the lower neck and upper chest become compressed , causing pain , numbness and weakness in the upper extremity . This space is called the thoracic outlet .
Patients who suffer with daily disabling symptoms secondary to TOS are offered relief with first rib resection , a surgical procedure offered as a part of the Vascular Program on the Dallas campus .
TOS occurs due to compression , injury or irritation of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet , located in the lower neck and upper chest area . TOS can severely inhibit the quality of life , often leading to pain , numbness , tingling and weakness in the arm , chest or neck resulting from pressure in the neck .
Reasons for the narrowing of this thoracic space vary . A patient born with an extra rib or a very narrow space may experience symptoms of TOS . Overuse of the shoulders and arms may also lead to symptoms of TOS , including poor posture . Whiplash injury to the back or neck , sleep disorders , even stress or depression can increase the risk of developing TOS . Some types of this condition may become more severe , resulting in aneurysms and blood clots .
Types of TOS disorders and related symptoms treated by vascular surgeons on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas include neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome , venous thoracic outlet syndrome and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome . Diagnostic tests to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome include nerve conduction studies , vascular studies , chest X-rays , cervical spine X-rays , CT and MRI of the chest or spine , arteriograms / venograms , and blood tests .
Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic Center for Medical Art and Photography
The First Rib Resection procedure involves removing part of the first rib , eliminating the pressure on the thoracic outlet . In some cases , blood vessels around the area will need to be rerouted ; if the vessels are extremely narrowed , angioplasty may become an option .
Vascular surgeons on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas perform a large volume of TOS procedures annually , seeing patients referred from across the U . S . First rib resection frequently results in a successful return to full activity .
Total Number of TOS Surgeries ( FY18 ) >
215
Baylor Scott & White Heart and Vascular Hospital – Dallas is a nationally recognized treatment center for TOS .