Thoracoscopic Intercostal Nerve Transfer

This series depicts a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique for intercostal (ribs) nerve harvest and transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve, which innervates the biceps brachii muscle in the arm. The nerve transfer allows for elbow flexion to be restored following brachial plexus injuries.


The illustrations show this minimally invasive approach to intercostal nerve transfer, in contrast to a traditional open approach requiring large incisions and extensive dissection.

Sketches

Thoracoscopic view: harvesting the intercostal nerve

Posterior-lateral view showing the minimally invasive incisions and nerves being tunneled out of the thorax

Illustrations comparing the large arm and chest incision of the traditional open approach

to the small arm incision in the VATS technique.

Illustrations comparing the large arm and chest incision of the traditional open approach to the small arm incision in the VATS technique.

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© 2025 Allison young

Carotid Endarterectomy

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

© 2025 Allison young

Carotid Endarterectomy

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

© 2025 Allison young

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