In varying forms, retractors are used to hold an incision open, hold back tissues or other objects to maintain a clear surgical field, or reach other structures. They can either be hand-held or self-retaining via a ratcheting mechanism.

: one that retracts: such as. a : a surgical instrument for holding open the edges of a wound. b : a muscle that draws in an organ or part.

The side-load blade slot with a hand retractor system or longitudinal/transverse retractors simplify the detent and changing of blades, even during surgery. …

Self-Retaining Retractors. Self-retaining retractors have locking mechanisms that keep the blades apart and in place while spreading the edges of the incision and holding other tissue in place, thus freeing the surgeon’s and assistant’s hands for other tasks.

Surgical retractors help surgeons and operating room professionals hold an incision or wound open during surgical procedures. They aid in holding back underlying organs or tissues, allowing doctors/nurses better visibility and access to the exposed area.

Surgical forceps
Surgical forceps may be broadly divided into two categories, thumb forceps (frequently called surgical tweezers or pinning forceps) and ring forceps (also called hemostats, hemostatic forceps and locking forceps).

a. Anatomy A muscle, such as a flexor, that retracts an organ or a part. b. Medicine A surgical instrument used to hold back organs or the edges of an incision.

Green-Armytage Forceps are used to grasp and clamp tissue in the uterus. The forceps has wide blades with horizontal serrations. The forceps are used for edges of the transverse incision in the lower segment. The locking rings handle and ratchets grip the tissue firmly.

Gelpis are the most commonly used retractor in veterinary surgery. They are two blades, hinged in the middle, which separate as the handles are closed and are held by a ratchet making them self-retaining. The tips of the blades have a hook to engage on the edge of the incision.

A retractor is a surgical instrument used to separate the edges of a surgical incision or wound, or to hold back underlying organs and tissues so that body parts under the incision may be accessed.

Hand Retractors – (Manual) must be held by an assistant, a robot or the surgeon during a procedure. 2. Self Retaining Retractors – (Stay open on their own) have a screw, ratchet or some type of clamp to hold the tissue by itself. These allow the surgeon with two free hands.

Often they are called suture scissors or material scissors.

Medical Definition of retractor. : one that retracts: as. a : any of various surgical instruments for holding tissues away from the field of operation. b : a muscle that draws in an organ or part — compare protractor.

Surgical retractors help surgeons and operating room professionals hold an incision or wound open during surgical procedures. They aid in holding back underlying organs or tissues, allowing doctors/nurses better visibility and access to the exposed area.

They aid in holding back underlying organs or tissues, allowing doctors/nurses better visibility and access to the exposed area. The right retractor and medical device lighting will bring comfort and light directly into the surgical cavity where it is needed.

flexible retractor. a simple surgical instrument made of metal, usually copper, and shaped like a simple spatula or tongue-depressor. It can be bent into any shape so as to get into tricky sites to hold back tissues.