European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Vol 4, 571-572, Copyright © 1990 by European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery
Technique of dissecting the internal mammary after using the Moussalli bar
RI Hasan, NA Yonan and H Moussalli
Cardiothoracic Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Since 1985 we have utilised a simple technique for dissecting the internal
mammary artery (IMA) prior to coronary artery bypass surgery. The technique
involves the use of a stainless steel bar (Moussalli bar) in conjunction
with a Holmes Sellors sternal spreader. We have used this technique to
dissect more than 2000 IMAs in patients of varying body weight and muscle
build without significant complications.