Description

Cottle-Neivert Alar Retractor is a 20 cm (8″) instrument made for holding the nasal ala away during nasal procedures. It has two blunt prongs with rounded ball tips, giving the working end a smooth surface for retracting the tissue. The long handle also keeps the hand away from the immediate surgical area.

The two prongs sit at the end of a short, open frame. Their rounded ball tips provide a gentle contact point when the retractor is placed against the alar tissue. This design is useful when the surgeon needs to hold the nostril open without using sharp points that could catch or penetrate the tissue.

A knife guard is built into the instrument, adding another feature to the working end. The guard sits behind the prongs and helps keep the nearby tissue separated from the knife during procedures where both instruments are being used. The open shape of the retractor also gives the surgeon a clear view of the area being held.

At 20 cm (8″) long, the retractor gives plenty of reach for nasal surgery while keeping the hand farther back from the nose. The central handle is broad and has fine grooves along the gripping area, making it easier to hold securely. The long, narrow shaft then leads to the curved working end.

The instrument is made from surgical stainless steel, providing the solid construction needed for repeated surgical use. Before use, the ball tips and prongs should be checked for damage or changes in shape. The knife guard, shaft, and handle should also be inspected for any rough areas or defects, followed by proper cleaning and sterilization.

For nasal procedures where the ala needs to be held aside while protecting the nearby working area, Cottle-Neivert Alar Retractor combines two blunt ball-tipped prongs with a built-in knife guard. Its 20 cm (8″) length gives good reach, while the grooved handle makes it easier to keep the instrument steady during use.