Rib spreader

The rib spreader (English rib spreader or rib retractor ) is a surgical instrument from the group of holding instruments or retractors. He serves in the thoracotomy to dilate and hold open the chest.

Function and use

Two blunt and wide metal hooks are fixed relative to each other on a toothed rail. After transection of the intercostal space ( intercostal space ) and opening of the pleura ( parietal pleura ), the hook each inserted along the upper and lower rib into the wound and spread by a crank mechanism. This provides a rigid, wide open access to the thorax and its organs as well as to the intermediate coat ( mediastinum ) is achieved, carried out on the most lung- and thoracic surgical procedures ( pneumonectomy, pleurectomy, lobectomy, conditioning the upper anastomosis in the mediastinum extended gastrectomy, etc.) can be.

For operations on the heart, the sternotomy is the frequent access, even with this the rib spreader between the severed halves of the sternum is set to keep the surgical field open.

• A surgical instrument
• Rib