The mechanical force needed for retractors to allow adequate retraction often significantly compresses tissues. Excessive compressive force during retraction has been shown to cause irritation and damage to muscles, nerves, vasculature, and internal organs. It can be a matter of technique or the device itself. This article will overview the common retractor-associated tissue traumas across …
Handheld surgical retractors are one of the essential tools utilized in all surgical specialties. They let surgeons hold back the edges of surgical wounds and move soft tissues out of the way of other instruments, protecting vital structures during surgery. Handheld is a broad definition, including relatively simple metal instruments, one held in each hand, and more-complex …
5 Uses for Handheld Retractors [and 1 unconventional one] Read More »
Minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery has gradually revolutionized the field of cardiothoracic surgery and is well on the way to becoming state-of-the-art for a series of cardiac procedures. This type of surgery requires specialized instruments that can aid surgeons and have minimal risk and discomfort for the patient. This article discusses why specialized instruments are needed …
Key Instruments for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery Read More »
The Ferreira and Tebbetts retractors are specialized surgical retractors commonly used in breast surgery and other reconstructive procedures. While they provide a wide range of benefits, they do have several drawbacks. These drawbacks may leave surgeons searching for alternatives. And there are alternatives. Different retractors can be used as alternatives to the Ferreira and Tebbetts …
Alternatives to Ferreira and Tebbetts Retractors for Breast Surgery Read More »
Despite solving key problems in surgical lighting, fiber-optic lighted retractors also present problems. They’ve even been included as one of the top medical technology safety hazards by the Emergency Care Research Institute. The biggest problem of fiber-optic lighted retractors is their safety, for both patients and medical personnel. Other problems with these devices include their …
Problems with Fiber-optic Lighted Retractors for Surgery Read More »
Faster postoperative recovery, low-cost production, and a safer environment for patients and surgical personnel are common goals in new medical devices. Above all, safer surgery is always a benefit. Faster postoperative recovery reduces strain on healthcare systems. Low-cost manufacturing enables less-privileged communities to access lifesaving and life-altering operations. New devices offer greater safety for surgical …
Retractors are an essential tool in body contour plastic surgery. Unlike facial applications (read our article on facial plastic surgery retractors here), specifically dealing with the nose, lips, and mouth, body contour surgery seeks to refine the body’s shape and appearance. This can be for reconstructive or beautifying purposes. It involves procedures such as the …
What Retractors Are Used in Body Contour Surgery Such as Tummy Tucks? Read More »
Retractors play a pivotal role in facial plastic and facial cosmetic surgeries, including: …among many others. Commonly used retractors used are the Freeman facelift retractor and Sheen nasal retractor, while modern, handheld, cordless lighted retractors are proving to be especially valuable. Overview of retractors in facial plastic/cosmetic surgery The retractors used in facial procedures tend …
What Retractors Are Used in Facial Plastic Surgery? Read More »
Surgical retractors are key surgical tools in a wide range of surgical procedures. They have been for decades, even centuries. But nothing’s perfect, and retractors have shortcomings, both in actual surgery, and related to factors like cost and maintenance. Some main problems with retractors include the force required to use them, devices being left behind/inside …
Problems with Surgical Retractors (and Solutions) Read More »
Handheld retractors are surgical devices that separate bodily tissues during surgery. Unlike larger retractors, they can be held in a single hand. Self-retaining handheld retractors can be locked into place with no need for manual force to keep them open. But often a handheld retractor requires continual manipulation. This type of retractor is especially useful …
Handheld Retractors: Background, Benefits, and Options Read More »
