Technique of dissecting the internal mammary after using the Moussalli bar

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.