Graefe Retractor

Description

Graefe Retractor

The Graefe retractor is a small rake with a 16 cm handle. You can order blunt or sharp prongs. Both versions hold back skin and soft tissue in small fields around the eye.

Blunt or Sharp Prongs

Choose blunt prongs near vessels and thin tissue, because they press rather than pierce. Choose sharp prongs instead when you need a firm hold on skin edges. Many surgeons keep one of each.

Where Graefe Rakes Appear

In general, these rakes help with lid surgery, lacrimal sac exposure and small orbital incisions. They also serve in minor skin procedures near the eye. Because the rake is light, the assistant can hold it for long periods without tiring. The surgeon can also hold it with one hand while cutting with the other.

The 16 cm Graefe Handle

The 16 cm handle gives the assistant a steady grip. So the hand stays clear while the prongs hold the wound open. In addition, the longer handle gives a little leverage when tissue is firm.

• 16 cm length
• Blunt prongs for gentle retraction
• Sharp prongs for a firm hold
• Reusable after sterilization

Handling Sharp Prongs

Pass a sharp rake handle first. Also place it apart from fine scissors and forceps in the tray. Then check that no prong has bent, because a bent tip tears tissue.

Cleaning Between Prongs

Debris hides between the prongs. Therefore, brush each gap and flush well. After drying, inspect each tip under good light. Then store the Graefe retractor in a slot that keeps the prongs off other tools.

Graefe rakes leave our hands non-sterile and may be reused following validated cleaning and sterilization. Stainless steel under ASTM F899 is the material, and every rake passes our checks in the United States. Both prong types of the Graefe rake fall under three years against manufacturing defects, sharp included. For a blunt-only pattern at 13 cm, see the Knapp rake. Our ophthalmic catalogue lists more, and our FAQs explain orders.

For professional use. See our cleaning page and shipping page for practical details.