{"product_id":"weitlaner-self-retaining-retractor","title":"Weitlaner Self-Retaining Retractor","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeitlaner Self-Retaining Retractor\u003c\/strong\u003e is a professional surgical instrument designed to hold incision margins and soft tissue apart while maintaining clear access to the operative field. Its self-retaining construction allows the selected opening to remain secured without continuous manual holding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Weitlaner retractor range includes a compact \u003cstrong\u003e11.5cm blunt 2×3-prong configuration\u003c\/strong\u003e and four \u003cstrong\u003esharp 3×4-prong configurations\u003c\/strong\u003e in 14cm, 16.5cm, 20cm, and 24cm lengths. These options allow healthcare professionals to select the appropriate prong profile, reach, and overall instrument size for the planned procedure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore additional professional surgical equipment from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.intubationhealthcare.com\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntubation Healthcare Inc.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-retaining design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintains tissue separation without requiring continuous manual support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRatchet locking mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows the professional to adjust and secure the required opening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinger-ring handles:\u003c\/strong\u003e Support controlled opening, closing, positioning, and release.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterdigitating prongs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to close together in an organized profile when the instrument is not expanded.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSharp and blunt options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Available for different tissue-contact and procedural requirements.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple lengths:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose from 11.5cm, 14cm, 16.5cm, 20cm, and 24cm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReusable construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intended for professional cleaning, inspection, and sterilization under validated facility protocols.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile surgical application:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for procedures requiring stable soft-tissue retraction and improved operative access.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvailable Variants\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eConfiguration\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSelection Guidance\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSm-19651-10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlunt 2×3 Prongs – 11.5cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA compact self-retaining configuration with blunt prongs for smaller operative areas where a non-sharp contact profile is preferred.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSm-19670-14\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSharp 3×4 Prongs – 14cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA compact sharp-prong option for procedures requiring secure tissue engagement and close instrument handling.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSm-19670-16\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSharp 3×4 Prongs – 16.5cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA medium-length configuration offering a practical balance of reach, visibility, and handling control.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSm-19670-20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSharp 3×4 Prongs – 20cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAn extended configuration for procedures requiring additional reach and stable sharp-prong retraction.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSm-19670-24\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSharp 3×4 Prongs – 24cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe longest available option for deeper operative access and extended instrument reach.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Weitlaner Self-Retaining Retractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstrument Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-Retaining Surgical Tissue Retractor\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Weitlaner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable Lengths:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11.5cm, 14cm, 16.5cm, 20cm, and 24cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProng Configurations:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blunt 2×3 and Sharp 3×4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Finger-Ring Handles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLocking System:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adjustable Ratchet Mechanism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless Steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reusable Professional Surgical Instrument\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePackage Includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e One Weitlaner retractor in the selected configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUnderstanding the Prong Configuration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe designation \u003cstrong\u003e2×3\u003c\/strong\u003e means that one retractor arm has two prongs and the opposing arm has three prongs. The designation \u003cstrong\u003e3×4\u003c\/strong\u003e means that one arm has three prongs and the opposing arm has four prongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe asymmetrical arrangement allows the opposing prongs to interdigitate as the instrument closes. Prong count should not be interpreted as the total number of prongs on each individual side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSharp vs. Blunt Prongs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlunt 2×3 Prongs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blunt-prong configuration provides a rounded tissue-contact profile without pointed penetrating tips. The compact 11.5cm length is intended for procedures requiring a smaller self-retaining instrument and controlled access to a limited operative field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSharp 3×4 Prongs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sharp-prong configuration is designed to provide firmer tissue engagement when clinically appropriate. It is available in four lengths so professionals can select the required balance of close handling, reach, and access.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe appropriate sharp or blunt profile must be selected by the operating professional according to tissue characteristics, surgical depth, anatomy, procedural requirements, and approved technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLength Selection Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e11.5cm Blunt\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shortest configuration offers compact handling for smaller or more accessible operative areas. This variant is supplied with blunt 2×3 prongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e14cm Sharp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 14cm version provides a compact sharp-prong configuration for close handling and controlled positioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e16.5cm Sharp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 16.5cm version provides a middle-range option for professionals requiring additional reach without moving to a substantially longer instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e20cm Sharp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 20cm version offers extended reach for deeper surgical sites and procedures requiring a longer self-retaining retractor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e24cm Sharp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 24cm version provides the greatest reach within this product range and may be selected for deeper operative access where the longer configuration is appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIntended Applications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Weitlaner Self-Retaining Retractor may be used by appropriately trained healthcare professionals for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHolding incision margins apart during surgical procedures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintaining stable soft-tissue retraction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproving visibility and access to the operative field.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelected orthopedic and trauma procedures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeneral and soft-tissue surgery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelected spinal, neurological, plastic, and reconstructive procedures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eENT and mastoid procedures where the selected configuration is appropriate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHospital operating rooms, surgical centers, and professional instrument sets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the complete \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.intubationhealthcare.com\/collections\/retractors-surgical-retractors\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurgical Retractors Collection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for additional tissue-retraction instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSelf-Retaining Ratchet Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ratchet mechanism allows the retractor arms to be opened gradually and secured at the required position. This helps maintain consistent tissue separation while allowing the surgical team to work without continuously holding the instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe locking mechanism should be engaged only after the prongs have been positioned correctly and surrounding tissue has been checked. The ratchet should always be released in a controlled manner before removing or repositioning the instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProfessional Usage Guidance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSelect the appropriate length, prong count, and sharp or blunt configuration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInspect the prongs, arms, pivot, handles, and ratchet mechanism before use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfirm that the instrument has been cleaned and sterilized under an approved protocol.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace the retractor prongs under direct visualization of the operative area.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen the handles gradually until the required tissue exposure is achieved.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEngage the ratchet at the lowest position that provides adequate exposure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor the retracted tissue throughout the procedure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelease the ratchet gradually before repositioning or removing the instrument.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eImportant Precautions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse sharp-prong variants only where pointed tissue engagement is clinically appropriate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not position sharp prongs blindly or near structures that cannot be directly assessed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not apply excessive spreading force or open the retractor beyond the required exposure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not use the instrument as a clamp, needle holder, lever, or bone-spreading device.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfirm that tissue is not trapped within the hinge or ratchet mechanism.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not use the instrument if the prongs are bent, damaged, loose, or misaligned.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelease the locking mechanism carefully to prevent uncontrolled closure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCleaning, Care and Sterilization\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegin pre-cleaning promptly after use to prevent biological material from drying on the instrument.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the retractor in an open or unlocked position during cleaning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean the prongs, inner arm surfaces, pivot joint, ratchet teeth, finger rings, and recessed areas thoroughly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a neutral-pH detergent approved for reusable stainless-steel surgical instruments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse an appropriate instrument brush to remove debris from the locking teeth and joint areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRinse thoroughly to remove cleaning-agent residue and loosened contamination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry the instrument completely before sterilization or storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply an approved water-soluble surgical instrument lubricant to the pivot and moving components when required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSterilize according to the applicable product documentation and the healthcare facility’s validated protocol.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore with the ratchet released in a clean, dry tray that protects the prongs from impact damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eInspection Before Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore every procedure, verify that the prongs are aligned and securely attached. Confirm that both arms open and close smoothly and that the ratchet engages and releases at each position. Inspect for corrosion, cracks, loose joints, bent prongs, damaged locking teeth, stiffness, staining, or excessive wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not use the retractor if its structural integrity, locking performance, cleanliness, alignment, or tissue-contact surfaces appear compromised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated Self-Retaining Retractor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor procedures requiring adjustable abdominal exposure, view the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.intubationhealthcare.com\/products\/balfour-abdominal-retractor-10-surgical-grade-stainless-steel\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalfour Abdominal Retractor 10″ – Self-Retaining Surgical Instrument\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Intubation Healthcare","offers":[{"title":"Blunt 2×3 Prongs – 11.5cm","offer_id":44164233396289,"sku":"Sm-19651-10","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sharp 3×4 Prongs – 14cm","offer_id":44164233429057,"sku":"Sm-19670-14","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sharp 3×4 Prongs – 16.5cm","offer_id":44164233461825,"sku":"Sm-19670-16","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sharp 3×4 Prongs – 20cm","offer_id":44164233494593,"sku":"Sm-19670-20","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Sharp 3×4 Prongs – 24cm","offer_id":44164233527361,"sku":"Sm-19670-24","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0600\/6299\/0401\/files\/SM-19670-16_Artboard3copy4.jpg?v=1783668613","url":"https:\/\/www.intubationhealthcare.com\/products\/weitlaner-self-retaining-retractor","provider":"Intubation Healthcare Inc","version":"1.0","type":"link"}