Weitlaner retractor is a self-retaining instrument named after the Austrian surgeon Franz Weitlaner who made this versatile instrument to fulfill the surgical assistance. This instrument has a scissor-like shape. It features a finger ring with a cam ratchet lock that makes it perfect for holding back tissues and better visualization of the surgical area.
This self-retaining retractor is used to reduce the surgeon’s hand fatigue while using. The scissors-like shape with pointed prongs at the tip with either blunt or sharp blades makes this instrument more amazing. It is also commonly used in joint & bone procedures, plastic surgery, femoropopliteal bypass, herniotomy, and mastoid surgery. It is also handy for deep, small incisions and soft tissue dissection at the superficial level.
Primary Functions of Weitlaner Retractor
The primary of the Weitlaner
Retractor is to hold the viscera, tissues, or skin edges of the incised wound at a specific position so as to give the healthcare provider a
clear shot to get access. As this instrument is self-retaining, so it is set
against the wound edges or the tissues required to be held apart. Thus, the ratcheted
handle is locked manually so that blades remain apart holding the wound edges
with no assistance.
“This retractor is perfect to hold the edges of the shallow incision”
The versatile retractor becomes famous due to the multiple
uses in a wide range of surgical procedures. Some of the specific uses in
related surgeries are listed below:
Herniotomy- Used
to hold the incision created in the groin in order to repair the hernia
Femoropopliteal
bypass- Used to hold popliteal and femoral arty; also known as a saphenous
vein graft
Orthopedic surgeries-
Used to hold incisions, specifically used for shallow incisions
Neurosurgeries-
Used to hold the scalp skin in procedures like craniotomy
Cardiac surgeries-
Used for pericardial pacemaker implantation
Facial surgeries-
Helpful during tissues retraction
Apart from these surgeries, this retractor is also helpful
in the surgeries of newborn babies. In children, it is used to hold the midline
incisions on the back during tethered cord syndrome (A process of spinal cord
fixation due to scarring following the myelomeningocele repair that is a birth
defect where the spinal canal and bones have not been completely formed).
Available Pattern of Weitlaner Retractor
The retractor applies to both adults and children. It is
available in different sizes and patterns to accommodate the surgeon in various
medical approaches. In the pediatric pattern, 4 ½” long with 2x3 blunt or sharp
prongs (25mm-30mm depth) sizes are available. In adults, the length of the the instrument may vary from 9 ½” with 3x4 blunt or sharp prongs to maximum length.
The opening size of the retractor may vary according to their lengths. All
these patterns are more versatile due to the nature of manufactured material.
The retractor is crafted from German surgical stainless material that makes it
more versatile for long term use.
Caution: This retractor must be used without the aid of
sponges. Its delicate sharpened tips may damage the user’s hand or the
underlying structure if it is not professionally handled.
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