Frankfurt Retraction System

## Overview

The Frankfurt Retraction System is a modular self-retaining retraction system that provides adjustable, hands-free exposure of the operative field using a supporting frame together with interchangeable blades. It is catalogued as a product family under Self-Retaining Retractors in the Retraction Systems group and is available in 12 distinct configurations. Every configuration in this family shares the FRANKFURT pattern, so procurement teams can standardize on a single recognized design while selecting the specific size, tip, or blade configuration required for a given procedure.

Self-retaining instruments hold their set position during surgery, maintaining exposure of the operative field without continuous manual retraction. Offering the instrument as a family of configurations allows a facility to source a range of sizes and working ends under one pattern, supporting consistency across surgical trays and simplifying replacement and standardization.

## Design Characteristics

Across the family, the catalog lists pattern variants including thyroidectomy frame, connecting clamp, oval; frame; working lengths ranging across 180 mm, 140 mm, 120 mm; blade types including blade only; listed dimensions ranging across 180 mm, 7“, 240 mm, 9 ½“, 30 x 40 mm, 51 x 30 mm. These attributes define the differences between the individual configurations and are the basis on which a specific variation is selected.

The self-retaining mechanism allows each instrument in the family to lock into an open position and hold exposure independently once set. This distinguishes the family from hand-held retractors, which require an assistant to sustain retraction throughout the case.

## Configuration Options

The Frankfurt Retraction System family includes the following catalogued configurations, each available as a selectable variation:

– thyroidectomy frame (Ref. BW080R)
– connecting clamp · 180 mm, 7“ (Ref. BW081R)
– oval; frame · 240 mm, 9 ½“ (Ref. BW082R)
– blade only · 14 x 18 mm (Ref. BW085R)
– blade only · 17 x 16 mm (Ref. BW086R)
– blade only · 18 x 22 mm (Ref. BW087R)
– blade only · 30 x 19 mm (Ref. BW088R)
– blade only · 30 x 20 mm (Ref. BW090R)
– blade only · 30 x 40 mm (Ref. BW091R)
– blade only · 35 x 11 mm (Ref. BW092R)
– blade only · 55 x 20 mm (Ref. BW093R)
– blade only · 51 x 30 mm (Ref. BW094R)

Each configuration is identified by its own catalog reference to ensure that a specific size, tip, or blade selection can be quoted and reordered without ambiguity.

## Technical Specifications

– Pattern: FRANKFURT
– Instrument Type: Retraction System
– Category: Self-Retaining Retractors
– Subcategory: Retraction Systems
– Family Reference: REG-BV-000432
– Configuration Count: 12
– Available Variant: thyroidectomy frame, connecting clamp, oval; frame
– Available Length: 180 mm, 140 mm, 120 mm
– Available Blade: blade only

## Applications

Based on its instrument type and catalog classification, the Frankfurt Retraction System family is applicable to general surgical exposure, procedures requiring extended hands-free retraction. These applications follow from the design of the instrument as a retraction system; uses beyond those supported by the catalog classification are not claimed.

## Self-Retaining Mechanism and Clinical Rationale

The defining feature of the Frankfurt Retraction System is its self-retaining action. Once the surgeon establishes the required exposure, the instrument locks into an open position and holds that position on its own for the duration of the step. This has two practical consequences in the operating room. First, it removes the need for a dedicated assistant to apply and sustain retraction force, which can free a pair of hands for other tasks at the table. Second, it delivers a steady, reproducible degree of exposure rather than one that varies with an assistant’s fatigue or position. For retraction systems, where a consistent working field supports careful dissection and visualization, a self-retaining design is a common choice. The instrument is set, checked, and adjusted as the procedure requires, and released when exposure is no longer needed.

## Applications in Detail

The Frankfurt Retraction System is applicable to the following, each of which follows directly from its classification as a retraction system:
– General surgical exposure: maintaining a stable, hands-free operative field across a variety of open procedures.
– Procedures requiring extended hands-free retraction.
These application areas describe where an instrument of this type is used; specific clinical outcomes are not claimed, and any use beyond the catalogued classification is a matter for the operating surgeon’s judgment.

## Handling and Reprocessing Considerations

Instruments in this catalog are reusable surgical instruments. Reusable instruments of this class are typically reprocessed between uses in line with the healthcare facility’s validated cleaning, inspection, and sterilization protocols, and are inspected for correct function of any moving or locking parts before use. Where an instrument incorporates a ratchet, rack, or other self-retaining mechanism, that mechanism is checked to confirm it engages and releases correctly. Specific reprocessing parameters, sterilization methods, and material details are confirmed against the manufacturer’s instructions for use and are not asserted here beyond what the catalog records.

## Ordering Information

The Frankfurt Retraction System is available in multiple configurations. Refer to the individual variations for exact specifications and catalog references. Pricing is not published; the family and its configurations are offered on a request-a-quote basis for hospitals, surgical centers, distributors, and procurement teams. Send an inquiry specifying the required configuration for current availability and quotation.