what are self-retaining retractors
Self-Retaining Retractors. Retractors are used to hold an incision or wound open while a surgeon works. The retractor could also be used to hold tissues or organs out of the way during a surgery. Self-retaining retractors allow hands free operation during a surgery. Retractors with opposable blades which use a screw, ratchet or clamp to hold the tissue apart by themselves are called self-retaining retractors.