title: A fiber-optic retractor for harvesting the internal mammary artery.
abstract: A retractor for exposure and dissection of the internal mammary artery incorporating a fiber-optic transillumination system is presented. The device, which can be converted to a standard sternal retractor, has also proved valuable in improving illumination during procedures on the mitral valve and in facilitating dissection of fibrous adhesions from the anterior surface of the heart at reoperation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Angelini
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Azzu
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008323:Mammary Arteries; D055100:Optical Fibers; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013895:Thoracic Arteries