Retractors hold tissue, muscle or organs out of the way so a surgeon has a clear, open view of the surgical site. They range from simple hand-held blades to large self-retaining frames, and the right choice depends on how deep the surgical field is and whether an assistant is available to hold it in place. Here’s how the common retractor types compare.
| Retractor | Depth | Held By |
|---|---|---|
| Army-Navy | Shallow to moderate | Hand-held (double-ended) |
| Senn | Shallow, superficial | Hand-held (double-ended) |
| Deaver | Deep | Hand-held (single blade) |
| Vein Retractor | Shallow, delicate | Hand-held (fine blade) |
| Balfour | Deep, wide abdominal field | Self-retaining |
| Hohmann | Bone/joint exposure | Hand-held or fixed against bone |
Army-Navy Retractors — General-Purpose Workhorse
The Army-Navy retractor is a compact, double-ended hand-held blade used across nearly every type of general surgery for shallow to moderate-depth retraction. Its double-ended design means one instrument covers two blade widths, which is why it’s a staple in almost any general surgery tray. See our Army Retractor.
Senn Retractors — Small and Superficial
Senn retractors are smaller, double-ended, and typically feature one sharp (rake) end and one blunt end, used for shallow, superficial retraction such as skin or subcutaneous tissue during smaller procedures. See our Senn Retractor.
Deaver Retractors — For Deep Cavities
Deaver retractors have a broad, curved single blade built for retracting larger organs in deeper cavities, most commonly in abdominal surgery, where a smaller retractor wouldn’t hold the tissue back far enough to give a clear view. See our Deaver Retractor.
Vein Retractors — For Delicate Structures
Vein retractors have a fine, narrow blade designed for delicate structures like blood vessels or nerves, where a standard retractor blade would be too large or too blunt to work safely. See our Vein Retractor.
Self-Retaining Retractors — Hands-Free Retraction
Self-retaining retractors, like the Balfour retractor, hold tissue open on their own using a ratchet or locking frame, freeing an assistant’s hands during longer or wider abdominal procedures. See our Balfour Abdominal Retractor.
Hohmann Retractors — For Orthopedic Exposure
Hohmann retractors are a specialized orthopedic tool with a pointed tip that hooks against bone to hold soft tissue back during joint or bone procedures, rather than retracting soft tissue alone. See our Hohmann Bone Retractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Deaver and an Army-Navy retractor?
A Deaver retractor has a broad, curved blade for deep-cavity retraction, while an Army-Navy retractor is smaller and double-ended, used for shallower, more general retraction.
When is a self-retaining retractor used instead of a hand-held one?
Self-retaining retractors are used when tissue needs to stay open for an extended period without tying up an assistant’s hands, common in longer or wider abdominal procedures.
ASONS SURGICAL manufactures the full range of general surgery and orthopedic retractors in surgical-grade stainless steel. Browse the general surgical range or WhatsApp Us