Abstract: A force-sensing rib clip comprises an upper shell, a lower shell and a rib clip. The upper shell comprises an elongate body, an exterior surface of the elongate body, a rib-receiving channel extending along an interior surface of the upper shell and a ridge extending along the rib-receiving channel. The lower shell is configured to mate with the exterior surface. The load cell is positioned between the upper shell and the lower shell. A method of receiving feedback during a rib retraction procedure comprises attaching a force-sensing rib clip to a first rib bone, inserting a rib retractor into an intercostal space between the first rib bone and a second rib bone, applying retraction force to the first rib bone and the second rib bone through the force-sensing rib clip, outputting force-sensor data from the force-sensing rib clip to an interrogation device, and displaying force indicia on the interrogation device.

Abstract: A force-sensing rib clip comprises an upper shell, a lower shell and a rib clip. The upper shell comprises an elongate body, an exterior surface of the elongate body, a rib-receiving channel extending along an interior surface of the upper shell and a ridge extending along the rib-receiving channel. The lower shell is configured to mate with the exterior surface. The load cell is positioned between the upper shell and the lower shell. A method of receiving feedback during a rib retraction procedure comprises attaching a force-sensing rib clip to a first rib bone, inserting a rib retractor into an intercostal space between the first rib bone and a second rib bone, applying retraction force to the first rib bone and the second rib bone through the force-sensing rib clip, outputting force-sensor data from the force-sensing rib clip to an interrogation device, and displaying force indicia on the interrogation device.