VATS 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.