Burford Rib Spreader From Aluminium

Description

Burford Rib Spreader from Aluminium

The Burford rib spreader holds a thoracotomy open for the length of a case. A rack and pinion drives the two arms apart. As a result, they move evenly and stay exactly where you set them. This version is built from aluminium. In fact, that single choice changes how the instrument behaves on the table.

Why aluminium matters

A steel spreader of this size is heavy. Once it is open in the chest, that weight pulls on the wound edge for the whole operation. By contrast, aluminium cuts the mass by roughly half. As a result, the frame sits on the ribs rather than hanging from them.

Lighter also means easier to place. One hand can hold the frame while the other guides a rib into the blade. In addition, nobody has to fight the instrument every time the table is tilted.

The blades themselves stay stainless steel. Because they carry the load against bone, they need the harder material. The frame therefore carries only itself.

Every Burford rib spreader ships with two pairs of blades

Each unit comes with two pairs of detachable blades in different sizes. You can therefore match the blade to the patient without buying a second frame. Also, blades change on the arm in seconds.

• Children — 34 × 42 mm and 48 × 42 mm
• Adults — 47 × 62 mm and 65 × 62 mm

Choosing a frame opening

Opening is the deciding measurement. So pick the smallest one that still gives the access you need. Otherwise a larger frame simply takes up more of the field.

• For children, 13.5 cm opening — infants and small children
• For adults, 18 cm opening — limited or muscle-sparing thoracotomy
• For adults, 26 cm opening — the general-purpose adult size
• For adults, 30 cm opening — wide exposure for lung and oesophageal work

Key features

• Aluminium frame, roughly half the weight of the steel equivalent
• Rack and pinion drive that holds its position without a separate lock
• Two pairs of detachable stainless steel blades supplied with every unit
• Four frame openings, from 13.5 cm for infants to 30 cm for adults
• Fully dismantles for cleaning, and autoclavable

Where it earns its place

Thoracic and cardiothoracic surgeons use it for lung, oesophageal and mediastinal work. Meanwhile, paediatric surgeons reach for the 13.5 cm frame. Transplant and trauma teams keep one because the weight saving matters most in a long case.

Care

Aluminium needs different handling from steel. For example, strong alkaline detergents attack it and will pit the surface. So use a neutral pH cleaner only. In addition, do not process the frame in the same ultrasonic bath as stainless instruments. Otherwise contact between the two metals in solution can corrode the aluminium.

Dismantle the blades after every case. Then clean the rack teeth properly, because dried tissue in the rack makes it jump under load. Finally, check that the arms run smoothly along the full travel.

Warranty

Three years against manufacturing defects.