Disposable Surgical Retractors Offer Built-In Light Source

Innovative single-use retractors with a built-in light source maximize clinical functionality and reduce cross-contamination risk.

The CLEAR-TRAC family of retractors is made of fiber-reinforced polyaryamide, and includes three devices. First is the CLEAR-TRAC SP, a single-use surgical pocket retractor designed for procedures requiring illumination and exposure during surgical dissection; second is the CLEAR-TRAC V, a single-use vaginal retractor for vaginal laceration repair and other operative gynecological procedures; and third is the CLEAR-TRAC B, a single-use breast retractor with an angled tip and blunt teeth for improved tissue grip that is intended for breast augmentation, reconstruction, mastectomy, and lumpectomy procedures.

All retractors are single-use, self-contained, illuminating medical devices that are provided sterile and ready for use, with everything needed to successfully retract tissue and illuminate a surgical pocket or cavity. A comfortable, ergonomic design improves balance and maneuverability, and everything—including the light source—is thrown away after the procedure, thereby eliminating the risk of cross-contamination from the structurally complex reusable components that are used in standard lighted retractors. The CLEAR-TRAC retractors are products of OBP Medical (Lawrence, MA, USA).

“With CLEAR-TRAC, we enable physicians to achieve excellent illumination in the depths of a surgical tissue pocket or cavity quickly and without any frustrating set up or delay while waiting for external light sources,” said Douglas McConnell, MD, medical director at OBP Medical. “Even more, we're able to deliver this clinical innovation at a price point that provides immediate and significant value to users while enhancing patient safety.”
Retractors are used to separate the edges of an incision and hold back underlying organs and tissues, allowing clinicians to see and access the procedure area. Historically, retractors with illumination of the operative area were made from reusable stainless steel, and required large up-front capital expenditure, ongoing expenses for multiple costly components, complicated pre-procedure set up, and reprocessing after use. In addition, an expensive external light source was needed to illuminate the procedure field.

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