title: Pete's bar: alternative use of the laryngoscopy suspension bar to improve surgical exposure during small incision cochlear implantation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cochlear implant surgery is increasingly being performed through a small incision because of the benefits associated with this technique, such as fewer wound complications. Efforts have been made to maximise surgical exposure in order to improve this evolving technique; this includes the development and use of new retractors. For instance, elasticated stay hooks can retract skin in a radial fashion and they are less bulky than traditional retractors. These hooks are usually attached directly to surgical drapes or to a disposable retractor ring; there are disadvantages to both of these methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper describes a technique using a laryngeal suspension bar in which the bar acts as a fixed structure to which these elasticated stay hooks can be attached.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This technique was found to be safer, cheaper and more effective for obtaining optimal surgical exposure compared with a technique whereby the stay hooks are attached directly to the drapes or to a disposable retractor ring.
authors: Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
authors: S A C
authors: SA
authors: Mackeith
authors: Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Sleeman-Barker
authors: Department of ENT, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
authors: J D
authors: JD
authors: Ramsden
mesh_terms: D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013523:Surgical Equipment