Richardson-Eastman Retractor
Also known as: Richardson-Eastmann Retractor
Double-ended hand-held abdominal retractor (Richardson-Eastman pattern) with a different-sized blade at each end, used to retract deep abdominal incisions.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Richardson-Eastman Retractor
The Richardson-Eastman retractor is a variant of the Richardson retractor, a manual retractor that surgical-technology teaching material describes for retracting deep abdominal or chest incisions. The Richardson-Eastman version is double-ended, with a right-angled blade of a different size at each end, so one instrument covers two wound depths.
It is commonly sold in small and large sizes, often as a set of two. Insulated versions are made for use alongside electrosurgery, and sterile single-use versions are also listed.
Blade dimensions differ between the sizes in a set and between manufacturers.
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
- Laparotomy and other open abdominal surgery
- Retraction of deep abdominal or chest incisions
Variations, sizes & configurations
Lengths
- 28cm
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue specifications (Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments)
- Richardson-Eastmann Retractor Set, Insulated 10 1/4″ and 11″ Respectively, Double Ended Blades 10 1/4 inch retractor: Large blade Length: 36 mm Width: 28 mm Small blade Length: 28
- Richardson-Eastman Retractor 28cm, Insulated Blades 40x38mm and 71x43mm
- Richardson-Eastmann Retractor, 11″, Double Ended, Blade Sizes, 49 x 38mm and 63 x 49mm
- Richardson-Eastmann Retractor, 10 1/4″, Double Ended, Blade Sizes 28 x 20mm and 36 x 28mm
- Richardson-Eastmann Retractor Set of 2 10 1/2″ and 9 3/4″ Respectively, Double Ended, 30x35mm-22x24mm and 66x43mm-39x37mm
As published in the brand’s online catalogue. View official product ↗
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor Instruments | Richardson-Eastman Retractor (RI-S-3098) | RI-S-3098 | Official site ↗ | |
| Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (ASSI) | Richardson-Eastmann Retractors | ASSI.AG393626 | 28cm, 43mm · 38mm · Insulated Blades | Official site ↗ |
2 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 Richardson-Eastman Retractor
What is a Richardson-Eastman Retractor used for?
Double-ended hand-held abdominal retractor (Richardson-Eastman pattern) with a different-sized blade at each end, used to retract deep abdominal incisions.
What other names is the Richardson-Eastman Retractor known by?
The Richardson-Eastman Retractor is also known as Richardson-Eastmann Retractor.
What lengths and sizes is the Richardson-Eastman Retractor listed in?
Lengths recorded from the sources for this guide: 28 cm. Ranges differ between manufacturers, so confirm the exact size in the catalogue you order from.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Richardson-Eastman Retractor?
2 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (1) and Rigor Instruments (1). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Richardson-Eastman Retractor?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Richardson-Eastman Retractor include Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Richardson-Eastman Retractor?
Other retractors in this directory include Desmarres Lid Retractor, Gelpi Retractor, Hohmann Retractor and Surgical Retractors. 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 Richardson-Eastman Retractor this page records lengths of 28 cm.
- 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/richardson-eastmann-retractors-5/
- accuratesurgical.com/retractors/richardson-eastmann-retractors-4/
- accuratesurgical.com/retractors/richardson-eastmann-retractors-3/
- web.archive.org/web/20190916102428/http://library.sccsc.edu/surgtech/retracting2.htm
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retractor_(medicine)
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00842180157002
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/00198506066313
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/24026704283068
- accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/devices/G277G2G241300
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
Desmarres Lid Retractor
Curved hand-held lid retractor named after ophthalmologist Louis-Auguste Desmarres, used to lift and evert the eyelid; larger versions serve elsewhere.
Gelpi Retractor
Self-retaining retractor with two pointed hooked arms and a ratchet lock, the Gelpi pattern, used to hold small or shallow incisions open.
Hohmann Retractor
Orthopaedic bone lever with a narrow tip, used to lever soft tissue away and expose bone during orthopaedic surgery.
Surgical Retractors
Instruments that hold back wound edges, organs and tissue so the surgeon can see and reach the operative site; hand-held or self-retaining.