Finochietto’s retractor: from the surgeon to the eponym

Abstract

Introduction

The exposure of the affected organ is essential for the proper operative technique in thoracic and cardiovascular surgeries. In this context, Enrique Finochietto contributed to the development of the rib retractor, fundamental for the improvement of surgical techniques in the area. The present review proposes to evaluate Finochietto's contributions to modern surgery and discuss complications and alternatives to the famous retractor that bears his name.

Methodology

Search in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases with the descriptors: “Enrique Finochietto”, “Finochietto rib spreader”, “Rib spreader” AND “Thoracotomy”.

Results

Finochietto was a very influential surgeon at the beginning of the 20^th century, founding a Latin American school of surgery and contributing with numerous innovations to the area, especially to thoracic surgery. With the invention of a rib retractor for surgical access to the thoracic cavity, the surgeon contributed to the advancement of the surgical technique in thoracotomies and to a better surgical approach to chest affections.

Conclusion

Despite the minimally invasive alternatives, the Finochietto retractor is essential for open chest surgery and was of unique importance for the development and evolution of this surgical specialty.