Video-Assisted Thymectomy
Video-Assisted Thymectomy Mitchell J. Magee Michael J. Mack Neurologists and surgeons still debate the role of surgery in the management of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder of neuromuscular transmission affecting…
Transcervical Thymectomy
Transcervical Thymectomy Smit Singla Joseph B. Shrager Transcervical thymectomy (TCT) was developed primarily for excision of the thymus gland in patients suffering from myasthenia gravis (MG). A relationship between MG…
Standard Thymectomy
Standard Thymectomy Francis C. Nichols Victor F. Trastek The thymus gland continues to present challenges to thoracic surgeons. The thymus is the site of origin of benign and malignant neoplasms;…
Pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis
Pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis Jun Li Robert P. Lisak Myasthenia gravis (MG) is considered the prototypic autoimmune disease. Key features of the disease are muscle fatigability, decremental motor response to…
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis David S. Younger This chapter provides an overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Historical Aspects The history of MG is controversial.39,40 The first…
The Use of Prosthetic Grafts to Replace the Superior Vena Cava
The Use of Prosthetic Grafts to Replace the Superior Vena Cava Sacha Mussot Philippe G. Dartevelle Unlike the inferior vena cava (IVC), the resection of which has been reviewed by…
Vein Grafts for the Superior Vena Cava
Vein Grafts for the Superior Vena Cava John R. Doty Donald B. Doty Obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) can present either as a chronic, progressive syndrome or as…
Vascular Masses of the Mediastinum
Vascular Masses of the Mediastinum Alberto de Hoyos Ali Dodge-Khatami Carl L. Backer Mediastinal lesions of vascular origin are responsible for approximately 10% of mediastinal masses. They may mimic neoplasms…
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment P. Michael McFadden The superior vena cava and its important intrathoracic venous tributaries are located in a tight compartment within the…
Lesions Masquerading as Primary Mediastinal Tumors or Cysts
Lesions Masquerading as Primary Mediastinal Tumors or Cysts Thomas W. Shields The most common cause of a mediastinal enlargement is metastatic disease in the lymph nodes of the visceral and,…
