Utility of the Lone Star Retractor System in Microsurgical Carotid Endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The retractor system is an important device in carotid endarterectomy (CEA). We applied the Lone Star (LS) Retractor System, which is a self-retaining retractor originally designed for improved visualization in many other surgical fields, in microsurgical CEA.

METHODS: The LS disposal retractor (14.1 cm × 14.1 cm) and LS elastic stays (5-mm sharp hook) were used as a retractor system in 38 consecutive CEAs.

RESULTS: Using the LS retractor system, a shallow operative field could be obtained by lifting up the connective tissue surrounding the deep structures hooked by the LS elastic stays. The LS elastic stays were quick and easy to handle in the microsurgical operative field. There were no complications using the LS retractor system.

CONCLUSIONS: The application of the LS retractor system in microsurgical CEA is feasible. An additional merit is that it is single use.