A special adapted retractor for the mini-sternotomy approach

Minimally invasive cardiac operations are now possible through different ap proaches. To provide the best exposure and sufficient space to manipulate t he heart, a special adapted thoracic retractor has been developed for the m inisternotomy approach. It is universally adjustable and provides excellent and consistent exposure especially below the incision edges. The retractor has the further advantage of a very low profile on the surgeon's side and at the cephalic and caudal extremes of the operative field, which permits t he greatest possible access through a limited access. We have successfully used this retractor in more than 180 patients. A less invasive median stern otomy through a 6-9-cm incision has been our original approach. (C) 1999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.