Application of the Clamshell Thoracotomy in an Infant with a Large Mediastinal Tumor

Abstract

Historically it was recommended for emergency thoracotomy in thoracic trauma as the last resort when there was cardiopulmonary arrest. Nowadays, the only indications are lung transplantation and huge mediastinal masses. We report the use of a clamshell thoracotomy in a 7-month-old boy with a large anterior mediastinal mass extending into the bilateral thoracic cavities.

Keywords: Clamshell; mediastinal mass; teratoma.