The Finochietto thoracic retractor is a familiar instrument to most surgeons. The contributions to surgery of its inventor, Argentinean surgeon Enrique Finochietto and his brother, Ricardo Finochietto, extend far beyond a single instrument. This paper reviews their careers and legacy. Both brothers were part of an international network of elite surgeons. Their contributions are reflected in the number of instruments and eponyms associated with their name.
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