A Simple Cervicomediastinal Exploration for Tissue Diagnosis of Intrathoracic Disease

Video-assisted mediastinoscopy as a therapeutic tool

“…While doing scalene node biopsy, Daniels [1] noted that he could follow the subclavian vein into the upper mediastinum and remove the lymph nodes encountered. Harken et al [2] exploited his idea and ''visualized'' their biopsy with a laryngoscope. Radner [3] then suggested a single midline incision to provide bilateral access.…”

Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in the Staging of Bronchogenic Carcinoma

“…Mediastinoscopy has quickly replaced other biopsy methods [26][27][28] after its introduction in 1959 [29]. Its high diagnostic value was proved in the 1960s [30].…”

Scalene Node Biopsy

“…Harken et al 5 have described a further develop¬ ment of this biopsy technic wherein they explore deeper into the mediastinum, using a laryngoscope. They stated that one-half of their positive results came from tissue removed from the mediastinum and not the scalene fat pad.…”