Previously, retractors that could illuminate the operating area were reusable, complicated, required maintenance and had expensive operating costs, the devicemaker claims.
By designing single-use retractors that don’t require assembly, the company claims these factors are no longer a problem and the potential for cross-contamination is eliminated.
Optimal visualization, retraction and hemostasis during any surgical procedure are critical to reducing complications and infections. 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 providing illumination of the operative area were made from reusable stainless steel and required large up-front capital expenditure, ongoing expenses for multiple costly components, as well as complicated pre-procedure set up and reprocessing after use. In addition, an expensive external light source was needed to illuminate the procedure field. Some newer, partially disposable options still require expensive fiber optic illumination systems, as well as additional reusable parts and components.
"Clear-Trac demonstrates OBP Medical's commitment to re-engineering frequently used office and hospital medical devices in order to enhance efficiency, utility and the operator experience," said Douglas McConnell, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director at OBP Medical and former director of cardiac surgery at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, Calif. "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. 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."
Additional features include:
- Clear-Trac SP and Clear-Trac B are made from a fiber-reinforced polyaryamide material that provides exceptional strength and rigidity;
- Clear-Trac B has an angled tip with blunt teeth for improved tissue grip; and
- All Clear-Trac devices offer comfortable, ergonomic design that improves balance and maneuverability, boast built-in, ultra-bright, single-use LED light sources that do not get hot, and are available for a fraction of the cost of other illuminated retractor systems.