HATE Weitlaner Retractor – Self-Retaining, 3 x 4 Prongs

The HATE weitlaner retractor is a German-made self-retaining retractor with two arms of curved prongs (3 on one side, 4 on the other), a ratchet lock and black anti-glare ring handles. Once opened and locked, it holds the incision edges apart by itself, giving the surgeon a clear, stable view without an assistant.

What Is a Weitlaner Retractor?

The Weitlaner retractor is one of the most widely used self-retaining retractors in surgery. It works like a pair of scissors in reverse: when the ring handles are closed, the two prong-bearing arms open and spread the wound. A ratchet between the handles locks the arms at the chosen spread, so the retractor stays in place throughout the procedure.

The 3 x 4 prong layout spreads the force over several points, which gives an even pull on the tissue and less trauma than a single blade. The black finish on the handles reduces light reflection in the surgical field.

Learn more on Wikipedia: Retractor (medicine).

Features of the HATE Weitlaner Retractor

• 3 x 4 curved prongs: even, secure grip on both sides of the incision.
• Ratchet lock: holds the chosen spread hands-free.
• Ring handles: comfortable, controlled opening with one hand.
• Black anti-glare handles: reduce reflection under the operating lights.
• Made in Germany: manufactured by HATE from German surgical stainless steel.
• Reusable: can be cleaned and autoclaved between procedures.

Clinical Uses of the Weitlaner Retractor

The weitlaner retractor is suitable for:

• Retracting skin and subcutaneous tissue in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Small orthopaedic, hand and spine procedures.
• Hernia repair, lymph node and soft-tissue surgery.
• Breast, abdominal wall and scar revision procedures.

Why Choose a Self-Retaining Retractor?

Holding a wound open by hand for a long time is tiring for the assistant, and every movement changes the view. A Weitlaner-type instrument keeps the same, controlled spread from start to finish. It frees the assistant’s hands, keeps the field stable and spreads the pressure evenly through several prongs, which helps protect the skin edges and reduce bruising.

How to Use the Weitlaner Retractor

1. Close the arms and place the prongs into the incision, one arm on each side.
2. Close the ring handles slowly to open the arms until you have the exposure you need; the ratchet locks automatically.
3. Check the skin edges regularly to avoid excessive pressure.
4. To remove, release the ratchet, close the arms and lift the retractor out.

German Quality from HATE

HATE is a German manufacturer of surgical instruments with a strong focus on plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Each instrument is forged or machined from high-grade material, hand-finished and checked by experienced instrument makers before it leaves the factory. The result is an instrument with a precise working end, a smooth surface that is easy to clean and a long working life when it is cared for correctly. Surgronic supplies the full HATE range to hospitals, private clinics and surgeons in Türkiye and abroad, with fast delivery and support from a team that knows surgical instruments.

Care and Sterilization

Rinse the retractor immediately after use. Open the ratchet and clean the box joint, ratchet teeth and prongs with a soft brush or in an ultrasonic cleaner, then dry it completely and lubricate the joint with instrument milk. Sterilize it in an autoclave with the ratchet open, according to your facility’s validated protocol. Inspect the prongs and ratchet before every use.

Specifications

• Brand: HATE (Germany)
• Model: Weitlaner Retractor
• Prongs: 3 x 4, curved sharp
• Overall length: 16 cm
• Lock: ratchet
• Finish: black anti-glare handles, satin-finish prongs
• Material: German surgical stainless steel
• Reusable: yes, autoclavable

Weitlaner Retractor FAQ

Are the prongs sharp or blunt?

[Confirm with HATE.] Sharp prongs grip dense tissue firmly; blunt prongs are gentler near vessels and nerves.

Should it be sterilized open or closed?

Always sterilize it with the ratchet open so steam reaches all surfaces.

Is it supplied sterile?

No. Clean and sterilize the weitlaner retractor before first use.

Browse all HATE instruments in the Surgronic shop.