Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Description, risks, and causes of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Diagnosis
Description of the tests used to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome.
Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Details about decompression surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome.
Why choose NYU?
Details of the largest team of leading-edge vascular surgeons in New York City who perform decompression surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
NYU Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Doctors
Vascular specialists at New York University who treat patients with thoracic outlet syndrome.
What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a narrowing of the thoracic outlet (the space between the first rib and collarbone). The thoracic outlet is a nexus of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels that serve the arms. Narrowing of this space typically causes nerve and blood vessel compression
What causes thoracic outlet syndrome?
Thoracic outlet syndrome may be caused by:
- Possession of an extra (cervical) rib
- Trauma to or fracture of the first rib or collarbone
- Poor posture or lack of muscle tone in shoulder
- Repeated, sustained heavy arm lifting
- Objects inserted during surgery (e.g., pacemaker wires)
Why is thoracic outlet syndrome dangerous?
If not treated, compression of the thoracic outlet can lead to artery damage, blood clots, arm pain and swelling, ischemia (lack of oxygen), and limb loss.
More information about thoracic outlet syndrome is available on the Society for Vascular Surgery website.
Diagnosis
Thoracic outlet syndrome is diagnosed through the following:
- physical examination by a vascular surgeon
- arterial Doppler test, is a simple, noninvasive blood pressure measurement at various positions on the arm
- CT (computed tomography) scan, also known as a "cat scan", or non-invasive imaging study involving small amounts of radiation exposure. A CT scan enables doctors to view what is going on in the inside of the body from the outside.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), a machine that produces a detailed picture of the veins and arteries
- arteriography and/or veniography
All diagnostic tests are performed on site at NYU Medical Center. Arterial Doppler tests are conducted in the NYU Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory.
Treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is generally treated with decompression surgery, a technique in which the surgeon widens the thoracic outlet between the rib and the collarbone by removing the extra or first rib, and possibly the muscles attached to the rib and any scar tissue that may be compressing adjacent nerves and muscles.
Treatment may also include:
- Thrombolysis (clot-dissolving medications) to break up blood clots in the arm
- Balloon angioplasty and stenting to open narrowed arm arteries
- Repair of the thoracic outlet artery
Why choose NYU?
NYU Medical Center’s Division of Vascular Surgery offers the largest team of top-level vascular specialists in New York City. Members of a leading academic medical center, NYU’s vascular surgeons are deeply committed to finding the most advanced, innovative, proven methods to treat thoracic outlet syndrome and artery blockage (see below: "NYU Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Doctors").
In addition to decompression surgery, NYU Medical Center’s vascular surgeons perform all types of vein and artery surgery—stenting, angioplasty, and arterial repair. Surgeons at NYU have proven success in their outcomes: a 1–2% perioperative complication rate, one of the lowest worldwide, and a 1.5% morbidity rate in preventing stroke by removing plaque from arteries, the lowest in New York state.
Our surgeons work with each patient to critically evaluate his or her unique health needs, assess whether underlying causes increase that patient’s risk for other health problems, and make the best treatment decision for that patient.
One of New York City’s leading academic medical centers, NYU offers patient care in virtually every field of medicine. Patients who choose NYU for thoracic outlet syndrome treatment have direct access to the nation’s award-winning experts for treatment of health issues related and unrelated to vascular disease.
NYU Medical Center’s Division of Vascular Surgery offers the largest team of top-level vascular specialists in New York City. NYU surgeons are deeply committed to finding the most advanced, innovative, proven methods to treat thoracic outlet syndrome, blood clots, and vein and artery diseases.
Each of NYU’s vascular surgeons is a faculty member working to translate internationally prominent clinical and academic research into new, promising treatment methods and better medical care. Clinical trials and leading-edge research at NYU evaluate promising new treatment techniques. NYU’s physicians participate in scientific review boards, provide high-quality medical care for participating patients, and assist the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in evaluating new treatment methods for FDA approval.
Our Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Specialists
Vascular Surgery
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
1-877-4-NYUCVI (698284)
Mark A. Adelman,
M.D.
Chief of Vascular Surgery
Neal Cayne,
M.D.
Director of the NYU Endovascular Surgery Program
Glenn R. Jacobowitz,
M.D.
Vice Chief of the NYU Division of Vascular Surgery / Director of
Vascular Surgical Services at Tisch Hospital
Lowell S. Kabnick,
M.D.
Director of the NYU Vein Center
Patrick J. Lamparello,
M.D.
Vice-Chair of Vascular Surgery / Director of the Vascular Surgery
Fellowship Program
Thomas Maldonado,
M.D.
Chief of Vascular Surgery, Bellevue Hospital
Firas F. Mussa,
M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery at the NYU School of Medicine
Thomas S. Riles,
M.D.
Associate Dean for Medical Education and Technology / Frank C.
Spencer Professor of Surgery
Caron Rockman,
M.D.
Director of Medical Education and the Director of Clinical Research
for the NYU Division of Vascular Surgery
Frank J. Veith,
M.D.
The First U.S. Surgeon to Perform an Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
