Ribbon Retractor
Also known as: Malleable Retractor, Malleable Ribbon Retractor
Flat, malleable strip retractor that can be bent to the shape needed, used to hold back organs and tissue in deep surgical wounds.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Ribbon Retractor
A ribbon retractor is a flat, smooth band of metal used as a hand-held retractor. It is malleable, so the surgical team can bend it into whatever curve suits the wound before or during use. This is why it is also simply called a malleable retractor.
Surgical-technology teaching material describes it as a manual retractor for deep wounds that may be bent to various shapes. Because it has no fixed blade profile, one ribbon can serve where several rigid retractors of different curves would otherwise be needed.
Ribbons are made in a range of widths and lengths. Some makers offer protected-edge versions. Purpose-built malleable retractors (for example bariatric or graft retractors) are sold as separate products.
Product reference: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Deep abdominal and pelvic surgery
- Retraction of bowel and organs
- Protecting deeper structures while closing or working in a wound
Variations, sizes & configurations
Shapes
- Malleable
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue specifications (Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments)
- Ribbon Retractors 330 x 50mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 330 x 40mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 330 x 32mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 330 x 25mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 330 x 13mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 200 x 25mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 200 x 20mm, malleable
- Ribbon Retractor 200 x 17mm, malleable
As published in the brand’s online catalogue. View official product ↗
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29306 | 6mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29312 | Official site ↗ | |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29317 | 17mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29320 | 20mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29325 | 25mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29413 | 13mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29425 | 25mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29432 | 32mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29440 | 40mm | Official site ↗ |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Ribbon Retractors | ASSI.AG29450 | 50mm | Official site ↗ |
10 items listed in manufacturers’ own online catalogues, with sizes and model numbers as published. Check the exact item on the manufacturer’s page before ordering.
Companies offering this instrument
Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments
Westbury, United States
New York supplier of surgical instruments for many specialties, with offices on both US coasts.
Shown only where the company’s own catalogue or website lists this instrument.
Further reading
- How to Read a Surgical Instrument CataloguePatterns, lengths, tips, locks, materials and finishes: the catalogue terms buyers need to compare instrument offers like for…
- Stainless Steel Grades and Finishes for Surgical InstrumentsMartensitic vs austenitic steel, ISO 7153-1 and ASTM F899, tungsten carbide inserts, titanium, and satin vs mirror finishes…
- How Surgical Instruments Are Made: From Forging to PassivationA step-by-step look at how reusable surgical instruments are made: steel choice, forging, machining, heat treatment, grinding, polishing…
Questions about the Ribbon Retractor
What is a Ribbon Retractor used for?
Flat, malleable strip retractor that can be bent to the shape needed, used to hold back organs and tissue in deep surgical wounds.
What other names is the Ribbon Retractor known by?
The Ribbon Retractor is also known as Malleable Retractor, Malleable Ribbon Retractor.
Which configurations of the Ribbon Retractor are documented?
This guide records these variations, shapes: Malleable. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Ribbon Retractor?
10 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (10). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Ribbon Retractor?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Ribbon Retractor include Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Ribbon Retractor?
Other retractors in this directory include Balfour Abdominal Retractor, Cloward Retractor, Deaver Retractor and Kocher Retractor. See all retractors.
What should I check when sourcing retractors?
- Pattern and size: compare the blade or prong size and depth and the handle style with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Ribbon Retractor this page records Malleable shapes.
- Material: confirm the exact steel grade or alloy in the supplier’s documentation, such as the material specification or certificate.
- Finish and any coating, as stated by the supplier.
- Regulatory marking or registration required in your target market (see medical device certifications).
- Reprocessing: the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation instructions in the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
Sources
- accuratesurgical.com/retractors/ribbon-retractors-10/
- accuratesurgical.com/retractors/ribbon-retractors-9/
- accuratesurgical.com/retractors/ribbon-retractors-8/
- web.archive.org/web/20190914062853/http://library.sccsc.edu/surgtech/retracting3.htm
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retractor_(medicine)
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00192896105027
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00192896109063
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00190776079895
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.
Related instruments
Balfour Abdominal Retractor
Large self-retaining abdominal retractor with two lateral blades and a central bladder blade, used to hold a laparotomy wound open.
Cloward Retractor
Self-retaining cervical spine retractor (Cloward type) with a frame and interchangeable blade pairs, used to hold tissue apart during anterior neck surgery.
Deaver Retractor
Hand-held deep abdominal retractor with a broad, smoothly curved blade, invented by surgeon John Blair Deaver, used to retract organs and deep incisions.
Kocher Retractor
Hand-held retractor of the Kocher pattern, made with a blunt blade or with sharp hooks, used to hold back tissue during open surgery.