Resuscitative Thoracotomy

Abstract

The major muscles, which are divided during the resuscitative thoracotomy, include the pectoralis major, the pectoralis minor, and the serratus anterior muscles.

• Pectoralis major muscle: it arises from the medial half of the clavicle, the anterior surface of the sternum, and the cartilages of all the true ribs. The 5-cm-wide tendon inserts into the upper humerus.

• Pectoralis minor muscle: it originates from the third, fourth, and fifth ribs, near their cartilages, and inserts into the coracoid process of the scapula.

• Serratus anterior muscle: it is attached to the upper eight or nine ribs and inserts into the medial part of the scapula.

• Left phrenic nerve: it descends on the lateral surface of the pericardium.

• Thoracic aorta: it is situated to the left of the vertebral column.

• Esophagus: it descends on the right side of the aorta to the level of the diaphragm, where it moves anterior and to the left of the aorta.

• Aorta: it is the first structure felt while sliding your fingers along the left posterior chest wall toward the spine.