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 »
Lighted retractors (or light retractors) are surgical tools that both separate bodily tissues and provide light inside the bodily cavity. This light feature gives the surgeon greater visibility as it holds body parts open, which is the conventional function of surgical retractors. Lighted retractors also eliminate or reduce the need for secondary light sources. In …
The choice of devices used during medical procedures affects imaging quality, especially when the devices block the image. Using certain materials might also increase the radiation dose to the patient, which naturally isn’t a good thing. And using some materials on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be dangerous. Understanding the physical and chemical properties of …
As most surgeons and assistants know, retractors can be your best friend and your worst enemy. They make it possible to see and access the operative field, yet they can seriously fatigue your hands, arms, and shoulders. Retraction of tissues or anatomical structures is an essential part of surgery, and various types of retractors get …
Ways to Reduce Fatigue from Using Surgical Retractors Read More »
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) enable strong light with less electricity. They help reduce our carbon footprint and improve information technologies. Their emergence in the late-20th century has now made its way into powerful and convenient new options for surgical lighting. These include surgical devices. LEDs don’t only provide more light, they can reduce infection rates, promote …
Benefits of LED Lighting for Surgery (Brightness and Portability) Read More »
Surgical retractors are typically made from metals or plastics. Metal retractors were the standard for a very long time, but high-performance plastics are now viable, practical alternatives, with many advantages. Surgical-grade plastics, such as polycarbonates and polyacrylamides, are materials that have become alternatives to steel, titanium, and other metals. Plastics and metals each have pros …
Metal vs. Plastic Surgical Retractors – Pros and Cons Read More »
