Tissue Retraction & Exposure Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Tissue Retraction & Exposure flashcards as text
Which retractor is most appropriate for maintaining exposure of deep pelvic structures during prolonged procedures?
Answer: Balfour retractor
The Balfour retractor is a self-retaining abdominal retractor designed to maintain wide, sustained exposure of deep pelvic structures.
When retracting the liver during an upper abdominal procedure, the first assistant should apply pressure in which direction?
Answer: Upward and laterally
Retracting the liver upward and laterally elevates it away from the operative field while minimizing the risk of parenchymal tearing.
A first assistant notices the surgical team is using a malleable retractor against a major vessel. The priority concern is:
Answer: Pressure-induced vascular occlusion or injury
Sustained pressure from a retractor against a major vessel can cause occlusion, thrombosis, or direct vascular injury.
The Weitlaner retractor differs from the Gelpi retractor primarily in that it:
Answer: Has blunt rather than sharp prongs and a ratchet lock
The Weitlaner retractor has a ratchet locking mechanism and is available with blunt or sharp prongs, whereas the Gelpi retractor uses sharp, curved prongs for tissue penetration.
During a procedure, the surgeon requests 'more retraction' on a muscle belly. The first assistant should:
Answer: Apply steady, gradual force while monitoring tissue response
Steady, gradual retraction force prevents muscle tearing and ischemia while achieving the needed exposure.
Which of the following is a primary advantage of using a bookwalter retractor system over handheld retractors?
Answer: It frees assistant hands for other tasks during sustained retraction
The Bookwalter system is table-mounted and self-retaining, freeing the first assistant's hands to assist with other surgical tasks.
When using a vein retractor (ribbon retractor) around a fragile neurovascular bundle, the first assistant should ensure the retractor is:
Answer: Padded or moistened and applied with minimal tension
Padding or moistening the ribbon retractor and applying minimal tension reduces the risk of crushing or desiccating delicate neurovascular structures.