Retractor Types - Common Surgical Instruments

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.

 • Deaver Retractor: Used to hold back the abdominal wall.

 • Army-Navy Retractor: Used to gain exposure of skin layers.

 • Weitlaner Retractor: Selfretaining for exposing deep or smaller surgical sites. Also called “Wheaty.”

 • Richardson Retractor: Used to hold back deep tissue structures. Also called “Rich.”

 • Bookwalter Retractor: Self-retaining retractor system that is anchored to the operating table.

 • Malleable Retractor: Can be bent and customized. Also used to protect intestines during abdominal closure.

 • Rake Retractor: Hand-held retractor with sharp teeth used to hold back surface structures.



- Dr. Michael Visenio @BigMike_MD



#Retractors #surgery #instruments #types #comparison