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Thoracic wall surgical retractors designed to temporarily separate and hold back the edges of an incision around the ribs, exposing and providing access to tissues, thoracic structures, and/or organs. These retractors consist of handheld, manual instruments available in a variety of shapes and styles, usually including blunt distal blades and an integral handle; most rib retractors can retain the position once it is set (i.e., self-retained retractors). Mechanically operated retractors including a self-retained mechanism with gears that permit a wide separation of the ribs during the surgical procedure (known as rib spreaders) are also available.
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