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Surgical Retractors
Surgical retractors are instruments used to hold back tissue, muscle, and organs so surgeons can see and access the operative site during a procedure. They are among the most frequently used instruments across general, orthopedic, and specialty surgery.
Retractors generally fall into two designs: hand-held retractors, which an assistant manually positions and repositions during the case, and self-retaining retractors, which use a locking, ratchet, or hinged mechanism to stay in place on their own. Well-known designs include the Richardson, Deaver, Army-Navy, and Balfour retractors, each suited to different types of exposure.
Our selection includes the Richardson Eastman Retractor, the Beckman Weitlaner Retractor, the ENT Fomon Retractor, and an orthopedic surgical set with Richardson and Farabeuf retractors. Orders are dispatched the same day from Miami, and checkout is secure. Contact us if you need help choosing the right retractor.
Surgical Retractor FAQs
What is the difference between hand-held and self-retaining retractors?
Hand-held retractors are manually positioned and held by an assistant, which allows flexible repositioning during the procedure. Self-retaining retractors lock into place with a ratchet, hinge, or frame mechanism, keeping the operative site exposed while freeing the assistant's hands.
How do I choose the right size and type of retractor?
Choose a retractor based on the procedure, the depth and location of the operative site, and the tissue being held back. Shallow sites often suit smaller hand-held designs such as the Army-Navy, while deeper sites may call for larger-blade designs such as the Deaver or Richardson. Contact us if you are unsure which design fits your needs.
What is the difference between a Richardson and a Deaver retractor?
The Richardson retractor is a hand-held instrument with a right-angle blade used to hold back tissue at wound edges. The Deaver retractor has a large, gently curved blade suited to retracting deeper structures and viscera in open procedures.
How should surgical retractors be cleaned and sterilized?
Clean instruments promptly after use following your facility's protocol, then sterilize them using an approved method such as steam autoclaving per the manufacturer's instructions. Always inspect blades, hinges, and locking mechanisms before and after sterilization.
How fast is shipping?
Orders are dispatched the same day from our Miami facility, and every order goes through secure checkout.