Bailey Rib Approximator

About Bailey Rib Approximator

A Bailey Rib Approximator (also known as a Bailey Rib Contractor) is a highly specialized thoracic surgical instrument used to bring separated or fractured ribs back into alignment. It is primarily employed during the final stages of open-chest surgeriessuch as a thoracotomy or open-heart proceduresto securely close the thoracic cavity. How it Works During surgery, ribs are spread apart to give the surgeon access to the organs inside the chest. Once the operation is complete, the Bailey Rib Approximator uses two opposing clawed or pronged heads to grab adjacent ribs. The surgeon manually turns a dial or squeezes the handle, and a built-in ratcheting or rack-and-pinion mechanism pulls the ribs back together into their natural position. This self-retaining stability allows the surgeon to easily apply permanent sutures, wires, or plates to complete the closure without needing an assistant to hold the ribs together.