The Small Animal Surgery System sets a new standard of procedural control. The fully integrated procedural and stabilization system provides precisely controlled retraction at the operative site. The CD+Labs System allows researchers to operate independently; eliminating the need for anassistant or improvised assistive devices. The system removes the complexities and distractions of improvised set-ups, allowing the researcher to focus full attention on the surgical procedure.

Animal tables are made of ferro-magnetic steel and incorporate a window for compatibility with body temperature maintenance systems. Fixators hold retractors. They contain rare earth magnets that attach anywhere on the animal table. A push-button top operates multi-level locking jaws that grip wire or elastomers firmly. They can be adjusted linearly or rotationally with finger-tip release. Complete depression of the push-button allows for insertion of the wire or elastomer while partial depression of the push-button allows for adjustment. Fixators can also lock onto other lab components that require stabilization in the surgical setting, such as neurological or rectal probes or anesthesia delivery systems. The magnetic field is well controlled within the fixator to minimize interference with sensitive instrumentation. In fact, at a distance of just a few centimeters, the effects of these small but powerful magnets are completely masked by Earth’s ever present magnet field.

Retractor wires are formed from light, flexible stainless steel. This simple approach produces an economical instrument that performs its job with minimal clutter, while providing superb control and feel. Retractor wires can be used on their own to retract or manipulate tissue, or fitted to provide a wide range of retractor styles. Retractor wires engage and lock into the fixator jaws at the desired elevation allowing both linear and rotational adjustment over the entire length of the wire. One end of the wire is formed in a loop to provide grip for a gloved hand, and the business end is formed into a right angle hook that can retract on its own or lock to a range of retractor tips. The wires can also be reformed to create restraints or engage other lab apparatus that need to be secured in the surgical field. Wires are available in 10 and 14cm lengths for mouse and rat procedures. Retractor tip widths range from 1mm to7.5mm, plus a single point, sharp tissue hook. Each tip can be locked onto a wire for static retraction or affixed to an elastomer to form a dynamic retractor.