Surgery to relieve pressure on blood vessels and nerves

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Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) causes pressure on the blood vessels and nerves between your collarbone and the first rib. This can cause swelling, discoloration, weakness, numbness or pain in the shoulder, arm and fingers. If physical therapy or medication is unable to relieve the pressure, your doctor may recommend a surgery called thoracic outlet decompression.

The doctors in our Vascular and Endovascular Program can perform this surgery using several approaches depending on the severity of the damage and the source of compression. Your surgery may include one or more of the following:

  • Repairing compressed blood vessels
  • Removing abnormal muscles
  • Removing fibrous bands
  • Removing the first rib

Vascular and Endovascular Program

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Conditions

Axillo-Subclavian Vein Thrombosis

Axillo-subclavian vein thrombosis, also known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, develops when a rib or a nearby muscle presses on the axillary vein in the armpit or the subclavian vein in front of the shoulder.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Thoracic outlet syndrome involves the pinching and compression of blood vessels and nerves in the thoracic outlet, the space between the collarbone and first rib.

Tests

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Chest X-ray

Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart and chest wall.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.