HOW TO: USE AN ALEXIS RETRACTOR

HOW TO: USE AN ALEXIS RETRACTOR

What's up guys! I know, this large "thing" looks extremely intimidating but trust me, this thing actually helps a lot!!

An Alexis comes in many different sizes depending on the surgery. You'll also see it when a surgeon does a hand assist case where this Alexis attaches to a gel type device that hovers on top of this one. It's hard to explain it but I do have a set up for this under a bowel resection.

This retractor is also widely used in tracheotomy and c sections. Without this device, you'll find yourself using a Richardson to retract. Manual retraction for a long time could lead to muscle atrophy and muscle cramps. While you're retracting, you must be able to operate with one hand. A skill that will take awhile to master. Whenever I see this retractor, it's a sigh of relief! If I don't see it on the pref card, sometimes I'd suggest it but some surgeons have traumatic experience with it that's why they don't ever use it. It usually happens during their residency and those surgeons typically will never use it again lol. The trauma!

When you used this device, make sure you dry your hands so you get a grip of it and also try not to put your gloves in while folding in because it'll catch your glove in. Keep your hands out when doing it.

Hope this was helpful! Let me know if you've used this before!

Goodluck future ST!

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[edmondchavernys]

After the news coming from NZ, your explanation about Alexis retractor has been very illustrative. Thanks!

[hahardridge]

Just finished my 3rd day of scrub tech clinicals, ur videos were a huge help in my preparation. I also bought ur pocket book, it was helpful but I’d recommended adding a good amount of blank pages with lines for notes!!

[justinf]

u saved my practial exam as an surgery assistant :)

[vynnelson]

Hey there! I'm a CS tech and watching your videos really help a lot by demonstrating how the instruments and items we pack are being used. Thank you for the videos! It would be really interesting to know what different needle holders are used for like the Ryder, Webster, etc, what each scissor is used for. 👋😊

[christodevalle]

Very informative please keep posting content!

[mikemalcom]

You have been making videos for a while lol. I will see you in a couple of weeks, I saw one of your newer ones and was hooked. I how have to catch up. By for now.

[destinyhenderson]

Hi! I’ve used the smaller Alexis retractors for thyroidectomies but usually we roll it outwards. Does it typically matter what way it’s rolled in? Just curious kuz it looks more difficult to roll inwards. 🤔

[bradijohannsen]

Hello! I am currently in school to become a surgical tech! I was wondering, if I wanted to work at a plastic surgery clinic, is that different schooling/training? Thank you!

[ArodRA]

That’s a huge one. We use those in anterior hips.

[lorena]

Would you say most surgeries happen during the day or night?

[Kendraah]

And when your name is Alexis this would get confusing...lol

[bettysmith]

ugh, so much waste for a canceled case, it's a shame!