Mediastinoscopy and permanent venous access device positioning through the same incision.

We report herein our technique for positioning of permanent venous access device in patients undergoing mediastinoscopy for diagnosis and/or staging of thoracic malignancies. Through the same 3-cm skin incision employed for mediastinoscopy, access to right internal jugular vein is obtained and the prepectoral pocket for chamber positioning is prepared. The technique is simple, safe and provides increased patient acceptability.