Retractor
Retractor
Retractor (/rɪˈtræktər/) 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.
Etymology
The term "retractor" is derived from the Latin word "retractus", which means "drawn back". It is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" and "tractus" meaning "drawn".
Types of Retractors
There are several types of retractors used in surgery. Some of the most common ones include:
- Handheld Retractors: These are manually held by a surgical assistant during a procedure.
- Self-Retaining Retractors: These are designed to hold themselves in place once set.
- Wire Retractors: These are thin, flexible wires used to gently pull back soft tissue.
- Malleable Retractors: These can be manually shaped to fit the specific surgical site.
Related Terms
- Surgical Instruments: Tools or devices designed for specific actions during surgery or operations.
- Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery.
- Surgical Assistant: A healthcare professional who assists surgeons during a procedure.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Retractor
- Wikipedia's article - Retractor
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