Sternotome

A sternotomy (sternotomy) is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision through the sternum (or sternotomy) to access the internal organs of the chest. Sternotomy can be performed to treat various diseases such as tumors, injuries, infections, etc.

The sternotomy procedure begins by making a small incision at the top of the breastbone, usually in the area of ​​the nipple. Then the surgeon uses a special instrument - a sternotome, which is a chisel knife with a sharp blade. A sternotome allows you to make an incision in the sternum without damaging surrounding tissue.

After performing a sternotomy, the surgeon can gain access to internal organs such as the lungs, heart, esophagus, stomach, etc. During the operation, various manipulations can be performed, such as removing tumors, installing drains, ligating blood vessels, etc.

A sternotomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in thoracic surgery. It allows you to access complex structures of the chest and perform various manipulations. However, like any other surgical procedure, a sternotomy has its own risks and complications, so before the procedure is performed, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination of the patient and discuss all possible risks and benefits with the surgeon.