thoracotomy

noun

tho·​ra·​cot·​o·​my ˌthȯr-ə-ˈkä-tə-mē How to pronounce thoracotomy (audio)
plural thoracotomies
: surgical incision of the chest wall

Examples of thoracotomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The two main types of minimally invasive heart valve replacement surgeries are: Mini thoracotomy involves making a 2- to 3-inch incision between the ribs. Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 Lee died in the hospital where doctors performed an emergency thoracotomy, a cut through the rib cage, in an attempt to treat his wounds, according to the autopsy report. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 31 May 2023 Reduction of patients having lung surgery requiring a thoracotomy to around 50 percent versus a nationwide percentage of around 90 percent. Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati.com, 24 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thoracotomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin thorac-, thorax + International Scientific Vocabulary -tomy

First Known Use

circa 1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoracotomy was circa 1857

Dictionary Entries Near thoracotomy

Cite this Entry

“Thoracotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoracotomy. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

thoracotomy

noun
tho·​ra·​cot·​o·​my ˌthōr-ə-ˈkät-ə-mē, ˌthȯr- How to pronounce thoracotomy (audio)
plural thoracotomies
: surgical incision of the chest wall
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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