What small self-retaining instrument is commonly used in hand surgery?

In hand surgery, the Heiss retractor is a small, self-retaining instrument that is particularly useful due to its design, which allows it to hold tissues apart without requiring constant manual retraction from an assistant. This is especially beneficial in delicate areas such as the hand, where maintaining visibility and access while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues is crucial during procedures.

The Heiss retractor is designed to be lightweight and offers a slim profile, which makes it easier to maneuver in the confined spaces of hand anatomy. Its self-retaining feature allows surgeons to effectively free their hands for other tasks while ensuring a clear surgical field.

In contrast, instruments like the Bookwalter or the Weitlaner are larger and typically used in different types of surgeries where broader exposure is needed. Similarly, the Gelpi retractor, while also self-retaining, is generally more suited to deeper and more general surgical fields rather than the specialized application seen in hand surgery. The specificity and design of the Heiss retractor make it the preferred choice in this context.