Medical device innovator, SURE Retractors Inc., launched their new sterile anterior and posterior cervical retractor with Dr. Richard Guyer and Dr. D. Fossett, marking a milestone in orthopedic surgery.
Richard Guyer, MD, Co-Director, Center for Disc Replacement, Texas Back Institute, commented, “I have been aware of the unique, innovative SURE Retractors technology over the last few months and finally got a chance to use their new high performance polymer cervical system on a 2 level Cervical Disc Replacement case on Thursday 5th October. The retractor comes in a sterile pack, which the staff loved, and has everything you need in one small box. Normally I would have to remove my usual retractor for the AP shots to check the centering of the distraction pins, however, as the SURE retractor is radiolucent, this was not necessary, and it provided visualization unlike anything else I have ever seen. This probably saved around 5-7 mins of OR time. The intra-operative images, with no artifact from traditional retractor blades, allow you to see exactly where the disc replacement is during insertion. It also reduces the amount of fluoro used, which is beneficial to the patient and surgical team. I will continue using the SURE retractor on all my future cervical cases and believe this will become the standard of care for retractors moving forward.”
SURE’s single-use, sterile-packed radiolucent retractors are designed for easy and efficient use in surgical situations. These retractors enable ASCs and hospitals to improve surgical throughput, improve operational efficiency, increase financial sustainability, and reduce infection risk.
Dr. Fossett, Chair of Neurosurgery at Howard University in Washington, D.C., said, “Earlier this month, I performed a 5-level posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion for central cord syndrome. For this case, I used the new SURE A/P Cervical Retractor. I’ve previously used SURE retractors for posterior cervical, thoracic, and lumbar procedures as well as ACDF. I found the new retractor was as easy to place as my usual retractor. Since I had a long incision, I placed 3 blades on each arm of the SURE retractor. I had excellent visualization throughout the case. Since the retractors are radiolucent, I didn’t have to remove/manipulate the retractors when using x-ray/Fluoroscopy during the case – saving time and radiation exposure for the patient and OR personnel. I’m happy to use the SURE retractor with any future cases without reservation.”
Utilizing SURE Retractors optimizes operational and logistical efficiency, ensuring greater predictability in case scheduling. Improved throughput, decreased OR duration, risk mitigation, and elimination of sterilization expenses can yield significant additional profitability per surgery.
“I am delighted with the progress we have made in the U.S. in the last six months with our cervical, mini-open, lumbar, SURE Fire, and now our new A/P cervical retractor systems. Many Physicians, ASC owners and stakeholders are becoming aware of and adopting our technology. Our aim is to make sterile, single-use retractor systems the standard of care for hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers,” said Forbes Butterfield, CEO of SURE Retractors Inc.