December 01, 1998

Rultract® has made a modification to the sternotomy rake used on the Rultract® retractor system. This modification is the result of a study done with surgeons who have been long time users of the Rultract® system. The doctors who designed and tested the original retractor were also involved in the design and testing of the new rake.

The primary reasons for the modification are:

• different lift angles
• reports of single prong use for re-do hearts
• wide age range and size of patients

The physical size of the rakes has remained the same in both width and radius and the unique pivoting ball feature has not changed. Improvements were done to the hook end of the rake as follows:

• reduction in length of the slots between rake prongs adds strength
• window on the backside of rake for better visualization of placement

These modifications were done primarily for function of the rake. However, the modifications had some significant strength benefits. The new rake was tested against the original design. The results were a fifty- percent increase in strength and durability in all tests preformed.

WARNING:

Slowly elevate throughout the procedure as needed for surgical exposure. Raising the sternum too quickly may cause trauma to the proximal and distal ribs as well as costal cartilage to disarticulate. The Rultract® ratcheting system has been designed to gently and evenly elevate the chest wall in precise increments of 1 mm per click.