SHOVELCO: A novel adjustable-angle retractor for improved surgical field exposure in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Achieving optimal exposure of the surgical field is essential for safe and effective procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In surgeries such as tumor excision, flap elevation, and facial bone fracture repair, the operative field is often deep and obscured. Conventional retractors 1 are essential in such cases, but can be physically demanding for surgical assistants. Surgeons often demand more visibility, while assistants struggle with prolonged and forceful traction, leading to mutual frustration.