Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of conditions where nerves and or blood vessels are compressed in the space between the collarbone and the first rib.
This compression, which can be caused by trauma, repetitive movements, or anatomical variations can lead to a range of symptoms.
Results from compression of the brachial plexus at the base of the neck. This often leads to chronic and progressive symptoms including pain, tingling, and weakness in the arm.
Results from compression of the subclavian vein as it passed through the thoracic outlet. Patient typical present with acute swelling, discomfort and disclouration of their arm due to the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This typically occurs after periods of repetitive over head arm movements or lifting.
occurs when the subclavian or axillary artery is compressed in the thoracic outlet, typically by an anatomical abnormality like a cervical rib (extra rib). Symptoms often include pain, coldness, paleness, or a weak pulse in the arm and hand, and can lead to serious complications like blood clots (emboli) that travel to the hand.
Dr Nathan Biggs has a special interest in thoracic outlet syndrome and following comprehensive assessment of your individual presentation he can guide the most appreciate non-operative or operative strategy.
If surgical intervention is required this will involve open surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet to relieve pressure on the nerves and/or blood vessels. This will typically requires removing part of the 1st rib and scalene muscles.
It is a rare condition where the popliteal artery and in some cases the popliteal vein behind the knee is compressed by surrounding muscles, causing exercise-induced leg pain and cramping. This condition usually presents at a young age and is a result congenital anomaly in the development of the muscles and artery behind the knee.
Dr Nathan Biggs will provide a comprehensive assessment of your condition in conjunction with sports medicine physicians and the aid of dynamic imaging techniques. If surgical intervention is required this usually requires open release on the muscles/fascia that is impinging on the popliteal vessels.
Following comprehensive assessment including diagnostic imaging, treatment options can then be discussed. This will include optimising medical treatment and lifestyle factors predisposing to the development of the condition.
Nathan is credentialled and has experience with the most up to date technology/devices to treat peripheral arterial disease. These procedures are minimally invasive and can usually be performed under local anaesthetic.
They typically involve the use of atherectomy devices to modify/debulk atherosclerotic plaque followed by balloon angioplasty. In some cases, stenting of arteries is required. Patients will usually require one night stay in hospital following these procedures.
In some cases, arterial disease is best treated with open vascular surgery. This may involve an endarterectomy (surgical removal of plaque or blood clot) and or bypass surgery (where a graft is used to bypass an occluded artery).
Open Vascular surgery is often performed with a general anaesthetic and will require a 3-to-4-night stay in hospital.
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