Surgical Retractor

A self-retaining retractor is a surgical tool that holds tissues or incisions open without the need for continuous manual assistance. It has a locking mechanism that holds the blades apart. How does it work?

• The retractor's blades are held apart by a locking mechanism 
• The blades are held apart by the tension of the retracted tissues 
• The surgeon can use their hands to perform surgery while the retractor holds the tissues in place 

Types of self-retaining retractors: 

• Wound-held: Positioned by a ratchet or spring, these devices hold wound edges apart
• Table-held: Affixed to the operating table, these devices retract structures in a single direction
• Mechanical arm: A frame or ring affixed to the operating table, these devices hold wounds open and retract internal structures in various directions

Uses 

• Self-retaining retractors are used in vascular, abdominal, vaginal, and spinal cord surgeries
• They can reduce the physical effort of the assistant and improve their efficiency
• They can eliminate the need for a second assistant