Median sternotomy is still the access of choice for many cardiac surgical procedures. There are different retractors available, each with its specific indication. Sternal wound healing still occurs in 0.4–7% of all cases (1,2). In order to prevent wound healing complications, mechanical forces on the sternum should be distributed evenly, while achieving optimal surgical sight for the performed procedure (3,4). Here, we present a novel sternal retractor offering a wide range of uses ranging from minimally invasive upper sternotomy approaches to full sternotomy during complex combined CABG and multi-valve procedures.
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