Venous thoracic outlet syndrome
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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Published on: September 13, 2020
Richard J Sanders1, Sharon L Hammond
1University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80246, USA. rsanders@ecentral.com
Abstract:
Venous thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by subclavian vein obstruction with or without thrombosis. The primary symptom is arm swelling, frequently accompanied by cyanosis, pain, and occasionally paresthesias. Venography is the only reliable diagnostic tool. Therapy has three goals: (1) remove the thrombus (in thrombotic cases), (2) remove the extrinsic compression, and in a minority of cases, (3) remove the intrinsic stenosis.
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