Adjusting abdominal clamps to open up a larger operating field during surgery typically requires the use of two hands: one hand to unscrew the clamp, and the other hand to pull the clamp to increase the operating field. Furthermore, one hand has to retain the clamp in position while the other is used to fasten the tension screw. This can be inconvenient during a surgical procedure when the surgeon may only have one hand available. If this happens during an emergency and one of the surgeon’s hands is occupied, assistance is required to move the retraction hook to a new position. Due to limited space around the operating table, this is particularly difficult when the retraction hook needs to be moved in the direction of where the surgeon stands.

The Strauss Versatrac abdominal retractor system allows surgeons to readjust clamps using only one hand.
In order to address this issue, a new retractor system has been developed that consists of a clamp with flat handles in which slots have been inserted at variable distances. Using this new system to reset a clamp during surgery, the surgeon merely lifts the handle of the clamp and slides it into another slot that fits into the frame. This automatically increases or reduces the operating field. The slots are laser-cut at a 10-degree angle to prevent it from slipping from the frame. The new retractor, called the Strauss Versatrac, can also be used for veterinary surgery.

The hooks can swivel through 60 degrees from side to side to accommodate incision and internal organ shapes. This means that fewer blades are required since a single blade can accommodate a variety of angles. The surgeon merely fixes the hook to the frame, and the blade will locate its own optimal angle to retract the incision so as to minimize potential bruising on the patient.

The hooks can swivel through 60 degrees from side to side to accommodate incision and internal organ shapes. This means that fewer blades are required since a single blade can accommodate a variety of angles. The surgeon merely fixes the hook to the frame, and the blade will locate its own optimal angle to retract the incision so as to minimize potential bruising on the patient.

The frame fits to a “stand” which is clamped onto the side of the operating table, over the sterile cloth. This stand can be adjusted to ensure maximum comfort for the surgeon and patient. The fact that the stand fits over the sterile cloth to the operating table means that the complete unit remains sterile.

Different sizes and shapes of hooks can be fitted to the frame using the same hook fitting mechanism. Hooks can be customized for use with obese patients, or any other type of patient that requires a larger or specially shaped hook.

The slots in the hook are angled so as to prevent the hook from sliding or detaching. The slots are angled at 10 degrees, pointing down to fit over the frame. This configuration prevents the hook and handle from slipping from its position because as more force is applied to the hook, it slides more tightly into the frame.

The hooks can be instantly removed by simply lifting them up. Another hook can be placed in position with a single hand by hooking the blade into the incision and fitting the blade into position on the frame. The hook is immediately secured without having to fasten any tension handles.

The Strauss Versatrac eliminates the need for a screw thread that is difficult to clean. This is of particular importance when sterilizing the retraction system in between operating procedures.

Veterinary surgeons would benefit from this system due to its versatility. The frame size can be adjusted to accommodate animals of different sizes. In addition to this, different size frames could be manufactured for use on large animals like horses, cattle, and wild game, but the same hooks can still be used. Smaller hooks can also be supplied for use with

The blades can be moved, removed, or placed into position with a single hand. Competing products require the usage of two hands, which is not always possible during normal and emergency operating conditions.

The clamps are unlikely to come loose during an operation, because the more pressure that is applied to the clamp, the more tightly it locks into the retraction frame.

This technology is offered by Licensing Technology Network. For more information, view the yet2.com TechPak at http://info.hotims.com/28059-155 .