Central cannulation via lateral thoracotomy allows patients awaiting lung transplantation to remain unsedated and ambulatory. Surgical pleurodesis may be performed via thoracotomy or thoracoscopy. After prepping and draping of the left chest a posterolateral thoracotomy is performed. The most common type of lobectomy is known as a thoracotomy. Access is gained through a left lateral thoracotomy incision below the sixth rib. In addition to pneumothorax, complications from thoracotomy include air leaks, infection, bleeding and respiratory failure. Initially ICDs were implanted via thoracotomy with defibrillator patches applied to the epicardium or pericardium. REBOA is considered a minimally-invasive alternative to thoracotomy with aortic cross-clamping (ACC). It is a major thoracic operation that has traditionally required a full thoracotomy. Hence, larger biopsies obtained surgically via a thoracotomy or thoracoscopy are usually necessary. Modern ICDs do not require a thoracotomy and possess pacing, cardioversion, and defibrillation capabilities. Cutler published papers extensively throughout his career about thyroidectomy, thoracotomy, cardiotomy, and mitral valvulotomy. Paraplegia complicating thoracotomy is rare but catastrophic. These "extra-anatomic bypasses" can be performed without an invasive thoracotomy. Methods include vertical axial sternotomy, left transverse thoracotomy, transverse bilateral sternothoracotamy, or transdiaphragmatic access.