Sklar Burford-Finochietto Rib Spreader, Large
A curved arm rib spreader with interchangeable large and small blades and an 8 inch opening, used to hold the ribs apart during thoracotomy.
The Sklar Burford-Finochietto Rib Spreader is a thoracic retractor used to hold the ribs apart once a thoracotomy incision has been made, giving the surgical team room to work inside the chest. Both arms of the spreader are movable and the instrument comes with two sets of interchangeable blades, a large pair measuring two and a half by two and a half inches and a smaller pair measuring one and a half by two and a half inches, so the surgeon can choose the blade size that best suits the patient and the exposure required.
The curved arms and a total opening of eight inches allow a wide, stable spread of the rib cage during cardiac, pulmonary and other thoracic procedures. It is used by cardiothoracic surgeons in the operating room, usually mounted and adjusted by the surgical assistant once the incision is made. Being a substantial retractor, it is disassembled, cleaned and sterilised carefully between cases to keep its ratchet and blade fittings working smoothly.
