Description

The Sellors Rib Approximator and Spreader Combined is a thoracic instrument that can be used to move the ribs apart or bring them back together. It has a long toothed bar with two adjustable working arms near one end. The large oval knob sits above the central mechanism and is used to control the movement of the arms.

The instrument has an overall length of 20 cm (8″). The toothed bar runs through most of the instrument, with closely spaced teeth along its length. Two curved working pieces are fitted at the opposite end. Their claw-shaped tips are positioned to catch the rib when the instrument is being used.

For spreading, the arms can be moved apart along the toothed bar to create space between the ribs. The same mechanism can also be used in the opposite direction when the ribs need to be brought closer together. The working ends are shaped differently from a flat rib spreader blade, with curved tips that sit around the rib rather than covering a broad surface.

This combined pattern is used in thoracic surgery and thoracotomy. It can help provide access to the chest during the operation and can also be used when the rib edges need to be brought together again during closure. Rib approximation is also relevant when aligning rib segments after thoracic procedures or repair of rib injuries.

The instrument is made from surgical stainless steel for repeated use in the operating room. Before dispatch, every piece goes through our quality inspection process. The toothed bar, central adjustment mechanism, working arms, claw-shaped tips, and joints are checked for proper movement and finish. The teeth are also inspected to make sure the mechanism engages correctly.

With its 20 cm length, long toothed bar, adjustable arms, and curved claw-shaped working ends, the Sellors Rib Approximator and Spreader Combined can be used for both rib separation and approximation. Its combined design means the same instrument can be used for gaining chest access and for bringing rib edges back together during thoracic procedures.