Patient positioning and cranial exposure remain the same
for all types of VEPTR constructs described on pages 8 to 9
regardless of the construct being implanted.
Primary Procedure
20
Synthes
VEPTR
Technique Guide
1
Patient positioning
Place the patient in a lateral decubitus position similar to that
required for a standard thoracotomy.
To protect against brachial plexus injury, do not flex the
shoulder more than 90°.
2
Cranial exposure
Make a J-shaped thoracotomy incision without disrupting
the periosteum overlying the ribs.
Retract the skin flaps.
Continue the incision and elevate the paraspinal muscles
medially only to the tips of the transverse processes.
Gently elevate the scapula to expose the middle and poste-
rior scalene muscle.
