Medline Industries, Inc. Expands Surgical Suite Product Portfolio With Agreement to Distribute ReeTrakt Disposable Surgical Retractor

MUNDELEIN, IL--(Marketwire - March 17, 2011) -

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Medline Industries, Inc., the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare supplies, announced today an agreement with Insightra® Medical to distribute its ReeTrakt series of ultra-low profile retractors. The novel surgical retractor is designed to minimize trauma at surgical site while providing better access and visibility to the surgical field.

"As surgery becomes less invasive, incisions are getting smaller. Older, bulkier retractors hinder visibility and increase the chance of surgical error," said Alecia Cooper, senior vice president of clinical services for Medline. "ReeTrakt's ultra thin base and low-profile tips minimizes occupied space, while maximizing viewing angles, particularly with small incisions and in difficult areas such as between a patient's legs."

To gain better visibility and hold obstructive tissue out of the way during surgery, surgeons traditionally insert a blade speculum or metal retractor. Rigid metal retractors can cause trauma, compression or injury to the abundant network of vessels and nerves in the surrounding soft tissue. Stainless steel retractors can generate excessive force that could bruise and damage delicate tissue. Additionally, many retractors have bulky blades with bridging structures or rings that prevent easy access to the wound. Even the hands, arm and body of an assistant holding a hand-held retractor can clutter the surgical field. All these things can hinder surgical maneuvers and may impact clinical outcomes.

ReeTrakt has no bridges or rings, allowing instrument access from any angle, helping to ensure proper surgical technique. With ReeTrakt, each retractor is independent, so various forces can be applied to different incision areas at the proper angles. The adjustable hook-and-loop strap, as opposed to a ratchet, allows controllable retraction force. ReeTrakt's lightweight, thin design and self-adhesive base eliminate the need for additional hands, freeing up assistants to assist rather than perform as human retractors. A single user preps ReeTrakt and places it. Once secured to the patient, it performs the full range of retraction techniques and does not move -- even if a limb is turned at any angle.

For information on the ReeTrakt Disposable Surgical Retractor and to request a free sample, visit www.medline.com/reetrakt.

About Medline Industries, Inc.
Medline, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended-care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Headquartered in Mundelein, Ill., Medline has more than 900 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.