Parasternal thoracotomy via sternocostal disarticulation: a novel surgical approach to the canine thorax

Parasternal thoracotomy via rib disarticulation at the sternocostal joints may be a viable alternative to median sternotomy that does not require specialized equipment for bilateral hemithoracic visualization. Postoperative complications and short-term outcomes are comparable to those reported for the traditional median sternotomy approach. Prolonged thoracostomy tube duration may impact survival to discharge.