Extraction of substernal goitre using an innovative vacuum device.

ABSTRACT

The extraction by cervicotomy of substernal goitres may be impossible and sometimes requires the enlargement of the thoracic inlet with at least a sternal-split. We present the extraction of a posterior mediastinal substernal goitre with the application of an innovative vacuum-based suction device, previously used for the control of bleeding from the heart and great vessels in clinical and experimental conditions.