Self-retaining retraction techniques for vascular surgery: use of a mechanical robot arm.

Self-retaining retraction techniques for the performance of major vascular operations are described. These techniques use standard instruments present in all operating rooms in addition to newer devices, such as mechanical arm retractors and fixed-frame retractors. They can provide exposure of the femoral and iliac arteries, all portions of the abdominal aorta and its branches, the lumbar sympathetic chain, the carotid, the axillary, and all lower extremity arteries. These techniques have been applied in 1051 operations and have provided superior exposure without the need for multiple surgical assistants.