Transtorácica

Transtorácica refers to a pathway or approach that passes through the thorax, which is the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, also known as the chest cavity. This term is commonly used in medical contexts, particularly in surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging.

In surgery, a transtorácica approach implies that an incision is made through the chest wall to access organs or structures within the thoracic cavity or to reach structures beyond it. This can include procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, or major blood vessels within the chest. The specific type of transtorácica surgery will depend on the target organ and the nature of the intervention.

In diagnostic imaging, transtorácica is often used to describe the direction of ultrasound waves or the placement of probes. For instance, a transthoracic echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart performed by placing the transducer on the chest wall. The sound waves then travel through the thorax to visualize the heart's chambers, valves, and function. Similarly, other imaging modalities might use a transtorácica route for optimal visualization of specific anatomical regions. The term signifies crossing the chest to achieve a particular medical objective.