Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Program

Our experts diagnose and create tailored treatment plans for thoracic outlet syndrome, a group of symptoms that result from the narrowing of the space between the first rib and the collarbone. This narrowing compresses nearby arteries, veins, and nerves, causing pain, swelling, numbness, skin discoloration, and blood clots in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.

Thoracic outlet syndrome typically occurs from overuse of the arm from repetitive overhead movements at work or from certain sports, such as swimming or baseball. Sometimes a malformed first rib or a cervical rib—an extra rib located above the others—may compress surrounding blood vessels and nerves, contributing to symptoms.

At NYU Langone’s Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Program, patients receive personalized, advanced care from our team, which includes vascular surgeons, thoracic surgeons, neuromuscular medicine specialists, physical therapists and occupational therapists, and pain management specialists. Treatment plans, which are tailored to the type of thoracic outlet syndrome a person has, may include medication, physical therapy, or minimally invasive treatment.

Innovative, Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches

NYU Langone surgeons are among the most experienced at providing minimally invasive surgical options if other treatment methods do not provide relief. Options include robotic-assisted first rib resection, which involves removing the top rib to relieve compression of area blood vessels and nerves, and angioplasty or venoplasty, which uses a catheter-based approach to open compressed vessels.