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Thyroid retractor

Device to aid in the retraction of the thyroid and parathyroid glands during thyroidectomies and related procedures.

Project Overview

The function of the device is to aid in the retraction of the thyroid and parathyroid glands during thyroidectomies and related procedures. During surgery, endocrine surgeons must retract the thyroid gland medially in order to gain access to the recurrent laryngeal nerve and parathyroid glands. Depending on the procedure, they must then dissect the thyroid gland from vascular attachments, and possibly the parathyroid glands. Surgeons use stainless steel forceps with a piece of gauze clamped at the tip, referred to as a "peanut” to retract and hold the thyroid gland in place, without rupturing it. However, due to the single point of contact, the thyroid gland can often be too large to be held comfortably by this method. The device should be able to assist surgeons in retractracting and holding the thyroid in place from multiple contact points.

Team Picture

Team Members (Left to Right): Kate Eichstaedt, Mitchell Josavi, Ashlee Hart, Avani Lall
Team Members (Left to Right): Kate Eichstaedt, Mitchell Josavi, Ashlee Hart, Avani Lall

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Kate Eichstaedt - Team Leader
  • Mitchell Josvai - Communicator
  • Ashlee Hart - BSAC
  • Avani Lall - BWIG & BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Mitchell Tyler - Advisor
  • Dr. Amanda Doubleday - Client

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