Limited access and anatomical variations from patient to patient rule out any single retractor frame as ideal for all cases. The Caspar Retractor System takes a holistic approach to this problem by offering a choice of three basic styles of retractor frames, each with an option of either fixed or hinged arms. For convenience, we refer to these three frame styles as (A) Weitlaner, (B) Speculum, and (C) Rack and Pinion. An assortment of more than forty hooks and blades are readily interchangeable with all of the frame options.

The Speculum frame resembles a trans-sphenoidal speculum. Its short, slightly arched arms make it especially effective in tight quarters. A thumbscrew provides the necessary distraction.

The "Weitlaner" frame (see illustration at top) shares many of the physical features of the popular Weitlaner retractors, including ring handles and a convenient ratchet for quick placement using one hand. The Rack and Pinion frame with its extended arms and "beefy" construction offers a no-nonsense solution to tough retraction on large and muscular patients.

The solid blades all measure 20 mm wide and range in length from 40 mm to 65 mm. Solid blades can be ordered with long, finger-like teeth at the distal ends (10-12 mm long), or with short, nubile teeth (1-2 mm long) or with a smooth distal edge. Two special application Fusion Graft Blades are also available. A rectangular opening located in the center of these otherwise solid blades functions as a guide for the chisel when taking a graft from the iliac crest.

Hook retractors are offered in two, three and four prong versions in lengths ranging from 35 mm up to 70 mm. Two single prong hooks in 50 mm and 70 mm lengths are also available.

In most institutions, the odd instrument request here and there runs through the system at Metamucil® speed. A full complement of interrelated instruments and components, such as those that comprise the Caspar Retractor can, because of total cost involved, become bound-up at every twist and turn in a long, dark approval process with a less than certain outcome.

Caspar Retractor System...friendly to budgets as well
The Caspar Retractor system can be purchased as a complete set including all blades, hooks and frames described above, or in smaller subset combinations of selected frames and blades, or by the individual components. While the savings in purchasing the entire system are attractive, it does represent a significant capital expenditure that few operating room budgets can swallow in only one bite. Fortunately, its modular nature and wide choice of attractive combinations of blades and frames enable limited or time-release budgets to build into as complete a system as suits the collective needs of the individuals destined to avail themselves of the retractors.

Talking Back, Vol. 1, No. 2