Uncompromised Exposure
Global Innovative Leader in Table Mounted Retraction Systems
Delivering exceptional customer service and timely product solutions tailored to your needs.
The Thompson Retractor is designed to meet the surgeon’s unique visibility requirements, supporting both routine and complex surgical procedures. The Thompson is engineered for a variety of surgical specialties, ensuring optimal visualization, with low-profile instruments which minimize obstruction and provide a clearer view of the surgical site, and a highly customizable frame which adapts to all your exposure needs.
Discover the difference with the Thompson Retractor — precision, performance, and reliability for every surgical challenge.
THE THOMPSON ONEFRAME™
Your Partner in the Operating Room!
Whether it’s for routine procedures or groundbreaking innovations, the Thompson OneFrame™ is your complete partner in the OR. Offering a simple set up, unparalleled versatility, and an abundance of blade options, the OneFrame™ caters to diverse surgical approaches, providing exceptional adaptability. Don’t just take our word for it! Experience the difference with the Thompson OneFrame™ today – your trusted partner in the OR!
“I don’t take the OneFrame out just for special occasions, it is my partner! Every time I open the abdomen, I use it.”
– Prof. Xavier Berard, MD, PhD, FEBVS.
GENERAL SURGEON RETRACTORS
Better Patient Outcomes through Stable, Controlled Exposure*
Thompson General Systems provide strong, low-profile, and uncompromised exposure for a variety of procedures. Thanks to our table-mounted design, the Thompson Retractor eliminates the need for handheld retractors, contributing to a safer and more efficient procedure. To further refine your retractor choice, you may choose a streamlined system based on your most common procedure types.
*Based on the 2022 Thompson Post Market Surveillance Survey
WHY THOMPSON?
We Design and Make it
Thompson creates, designs, and brings your systems to life in Michigan, USA. 100% USA made!
We Service it
Need a hand with your new retractor? Reach out to Thompson via direct line, email, or Live Chat for a live member of our team to assist you directly!
We Sell it
Work directly with us! Thompson is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Thompson Retractor.
We Back it
With regular service, maintenance, and proper care, your Thompson System has a lifetime of 10 years*! (* Refer to IFU for details and exceptions). We guarantee the life of your retractor retractor through our Service & Warranty Program.
We Design and Make it
Thompson creates, designs, and brings your systems to life in Michigan, USA. 100% USA made!
We Service it
Need a hand with your new retractor? Reach out to Thompson via direct line, email, or Live Chat for a live member of our team to assist you directly!
We Sell it
Work directly with us! Thompson is the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Thompson Retractor.
We Back it
With regular service, maintenance, and proper care, your Thompson System has a lifetime of 10 years*! (* Refer to IFU for details and exceptions). We guarantee the life of your retractor retractor through our Service & Warranty Program.
Thompson:
The "Swiss Army Knife"
of exposure!
What Our Customers Say
“From a professor’s point of view, the residents are free from holding blades and are more focused on learning the intricacies of the surgery itself. It’s a complete partner!”
Prof. Xavier Berard, MD, PhD, FEBVS
“The surgeon and first assistant are completely hands free. No one has to hold blades, the OneFrame™ does that for us.”
Prof. Xavier Berard, MD, PhD, FEBVS
“I don’t take the OneFrame™ out just for special occasions, it is my partner! Every time I open the abdomen, I use it.”
Prof. Xavier Berard, MD, PhD, FEBVS
“The Thompson retractor is, in my view, the best retractor for complex HPB and gastrointestinal surgeries. It has allowed us to minimize the incision for a multi-visceral transplant, allowing it to be perform by a midline approach. The exposure obtained and the independence provided to the surgeons and assistants, provides the right setting for teaching. Every surgical department should have one.”
Prof. Gabrial E. Gondolesi, MD, MAAC, FACS
“Thompson Surgical provides the most hassle-free, versatile retractor. For those complex, difficult procedures, as well as the routine, its ease of setup, strength and use, as well as lack of constant readjustment, always provides me reliable and safe exposure. Hands down, this should be every surgeon’s go-to retractor.”
Michael Nizzi, DO, FACOS
“For major vascular surgeries, I’m choosing the OneFrame®.”
Joseph C. Babrowicz, Jr., M.D.
“Having the PectusAssist in my armory, I can tackle more complex cases with an eased mind — and to the satisfaction of the treated patients.”
Hans Van Veer, MD, FEBS-OGSurg
“The PectusAssist will help surgeons globally to perform safer and more efficient surgery.”
Hans Van Veer, MD, FEBS-OGSurg
“The operation has become more consistent, and we have found that post-operative pain has lowered significantly. Overall post- operative swelling and blood loss seem to be much less of a problem due to the use of the retractor. We believe the surgery has become less invasive and less traumatic.”
DR. LUK VERHELST
“The Thompson Retractor makes my assistant’s job a breeze and is invaluable in the difficult or stiff knee.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“I use the Thompson retractor for all knee replacements.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“The Thompson Retractor is extremely helpful and allows for easy and safe exposure with one assistant.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“Reps often comment on the amazing set up and our assistants love the Thompson Retractor!”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“Thompson’s retractors are held more stably and have more versatility than an assistant.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“The Thompson Retractor allows me to easily do the case with a single assistant, and that person’s hands are free to do other tasks.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“The Thompson Retractor is multifunctional for supine and lateral positioning – posterior, direct anterior, lateral approach. It helps in all of them.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“For Hip Replacement, the Thompson Retractor is an invaluable tool.”
Jeffrey P. Beckenbaugh, DO
“The central exposure provided by the Thompson Retractor allows a perfect unobstructed perpendicular visualization of the cervical spine, resulting in a very easy surgery on vertebrae or discs.”
Rudolph Bertagnoli, MD
“The Thompson CCA Retractor is very safe and easy, eliminating the need to reposition the retractor blades throughout the entire procedure.”
Rudolph Bertagnoli, MD
“The Thompson CCA Retractor works effectively to eliminate issues typically seen with self-retaining retractors by allowing independently adjusted retraction of the medial and lateral structures as well as a hands-free mechanism.”
Rudolph Bertagnoli, MD
“My surgical practice has been enhanced with the hands-free approach the Thompson Retractor provides.”
ALBERTO GOMEZ PORTILLA, MD, PHD
“Eventually, if they get to work with the [Thompson] retractor, I am sure they will be able to get a new ‘hands free’ surgical approach in their surgeries, which will enhance their surgical practice and excellence.”
ALBERTO GOMEZ PORTILLA, MD, PHD
“I am absolutely in love with the Thompson Retractor.”
ALBERTO GOMEZ PORTILLA, MD, PHD
“The Thompson Retractor provides terrific cephalad rib retraction without ever slipping down or moving during the course of the case.”
BRENDAN C. VISSER, MD
“The Thompson retractor provides strong, comfortable and stable exposure. In open hepatic surgery and liver transplantation, the Thompson retractor offers a unique exposure for the liver thanks to the possibility of downwards and lateral right rib retraction.”
Mauricio Sainz Barriga MD, PhD
“What really sets Thompson apart is the usability, the adaptability and the dependability. That’s what has always defined Thompson for me.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“Thompson’s attention to detail and brilliant engineering minds consistently deliver the best product on the market.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“The hallmark of Thompson is the engineering and the quality.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“In every way, shape, and form, Thompson Retractors are superior.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“The ability to fine tune adjustments in real time makes the procedure run smoother and safer.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“What makes the Thompson Retractor superior in terms of adaptability in the OR, is being able to address every clinical scenario very effectively.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“Thompson’s Anterior Lumbar Ring System provides a simple, safe, and intuitive platform to achieve consistent midline spine exposure using minimal incision size while affording maximal exposure of the anterior spine.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“Thompson’s Anterior Lumbar Ring System allows for even smaller Incision size with significantly less tissue trauma, while still achieving, safe, effective midline exposure of the anterior spine.”
Jonathan E. Schoeff, MD, FACS
“The Thompson Pediatric System makes pediatric liver transplant in small infants much easier.”
MICHAEL WACHS, MD
“The best retractor I have seen in my 25 years as a transplant surgeon.”
MICHAEL WACHS, MD
“The Thompson Retractor makes liver transplant easy.”
MICHAEL WACHS, MD
“Outstanding exposure for pediatric liver transplant”
MICHAEL WACHS, MD
“”I recommend the Thompson Retractor exclusively for all my cases”
THOM LOBE, MD
“I find the Thompson Retractor an invaluable tool.”
THOM LOBE, MD
“Throughout my career I have always clipped my retractors to the drapes, only to re-adjust several times during the shoulder procedure. The Thompson tether system allows for reliable, consistent and easily adjustable retraction which maximizes exposure and expedites the procedure.”
MARK J. POWERS, MD, FACS, FAAOS
“Thompson did it again…the blades are perfect!”
MARK J. POWERS, MD, FACS, FAAOS
“The Thompson Retractor is essential for an optimal result.”
PAUL H. SUGARBAKER, MD, FACS, FRCS
“Central placement is crucial for the precise biomechanical function of the device. The centre of rotation needs to be exactly in the midline for the disc to evenly distribute load between the facet joints. For exact central placement, exposure of the entire anterior circumference of the disc is essential. A secure retraction of vessels allows safe implantation of the disc replacement. I rely on Thompson for all my challenging cases; it is my first choice of retractor. The Thompson retractor system provides the greatest level of safety for my patients.”
BRONEK BOSZCZYK, MD
“Reduces dysphagia by reducing tissue damage”
MICHAEL G. FEHLINGS MD PHD FRCSC FACS FRSC
“Precise exposure without excessive retraction.”
MICHAEL G. FEHLINGS MD PHD FRCSC FACS FRSC
“The Drake Hook is an important tool for subvalvular mitral repair. The cutting groove facilitates safe commissurotomy and chord lysis.”
Daniel H. Drake, MD
“Soft tissue is sensitive to exsiccation leading to tissue resulting in a higher infection risk as well as a longer and more painful healing time. Less risks and better surgical outcomes can be accomplished with lubricated and protected tissue. To accomplish that, a silicone sleeve in conjunction with the bone levers is utilized. The Silicone Sleeve allows permanent lubrication and, at the same time, protection of sensitive vascular or neural structures as well as the thyroid gland, the trachea or the esophagus.”
Rudolph Bertagnoli, MD
“I really like how the table-mounted retractor provides exposure and allows me to assist and instruct residents instead of using handheld retractors”
Jane M. Porretta, MD, FACS
“Our Plastic Surgery colleagues enjoy the exposure when performing a lympho venous bypass after axiallary dissection.”
Jane M. Porretta, MD, FACS
“The Thompson Breast Retractor System allows me to perform axillary dissection and deep sentinel node retrieval with good exposure when I am operating alone with only a surgical tech.”
Jane M. Porretta, MD, FACS
“Simplicity and versatility. Literally nothing that I can’t get exposed… Even the 350lb patient.”
Gregory Trost, MD
“I started using a very basic exposure, but I saw the capacity for this retractor (the OneFrame) to do more because of the Quick Angling feature and I was able to innovate and propose a new approach.”
Prof. Xavier Berard, MD, PhD, FEBVS
“The Thompson OneFrame™ offers exceptional angling and multiplanar retraction… Combined with the Quick Angling feature, you have the perfect combination of what you expect from your retractor.”
Prof. Xavier Berard, MD, PhD, FEBVS
“I took out a 39 lb. tumor. The Thompson was a major help with exposure and sped up the case a lot!”
Elizabeth J. Lilley, MD, MPH
“I evaluated the Thompson Retractor as a vascular fellow in 1970 at UCSF Medical Center and have used it throughout my career as a vascular surgeon until my retirement in 2002. A great product!”
PETER NOYES, MD
“This system is a shoulder-saver and is like having another tireless assistant standing next to me.”
STEVEN THOMAS, MD
“Set it, forget it.”
STEVEN F. BOLLING, MD
“The three most important aspects of mitral valve surgery are: EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE.”
STEVEN F. BOLLING, MD
“Thompson products always facilitated my operations!! Great engineering and quality!”
JOHN (JEB) HALLETT, MD
“The Thompson AL Brau Blades have become essential for the Anterior Mini-Open approach to the lumbar spine with a proven 15 year track record of safety. You get steady, rock solid exposure providing excellent visualization throughout without the need to re-adjust thus saving time by reducing the ‘fiddle factor.’”
SALVADOR A. BRAU, MD, FACS
“The Thompson retractor is essential for all complex Hepato-Pancreatico-Bilary surgery in order to allow for safe and effective dissection and transection.”
ROBERT CG MARTIN, II, MD, PHD, FACS
“The Thompson Spine Frame allows me to do cases which I would not have thought possible a few years ago and is absolutely essential in us developing these novel and extensive approaches.”
BRONEK BOSZCZYK, MD
“The success of outpatient total hip arthroplasty will depend upon orthopaedic autonomy in the ASC. The Thompson hip system is a simple solution that provides consistent and reproducible exposure. It is cost-effective and creates more OR space by minimizing personnel. It is ‘a must have’ for outpatient THA.”
MARK J. POWERS, MD, FACS, FAAOS
“Thompson did it again…perfect!”
MARK J. POWERS, MD, FACS, FAAOS
“The Thompson Hip System has an elegant design that optimizes the synergy between instrumentation and surgical technique allowing unimpeded visualization while performing muscle sparing ( or minimally invasive ) total hip arthroplasty.”
MARK J. POWERS, MD, FACS, FAAOS
“The Thompson Retractor is in my view the best retractor for liver, hepato-pancreato-biliary and gastric splenic surgery. The access given to the upper abdomen is unmatched by any other system. The availability of valves for overweight and obese patients is also of paramount assistance. I believe that this retractor should be available in all hospitals.”
PROF LUC DELRIVIERE, MBBS, MD, FRCS, FRACS
“Optimal visualization and retraction in an increasingly obese surgical population is difficult. Rib cage retraction required suboptimal improvisation with ill-suited blades, until now.”
DAVID SINDRAM, MD, PHD
“I am quicker, more dynamic and precise in my biliary procedures. In addition, I am essentially non-reliant on my assistant for exposure or system.”
DAVID SINDRAM, MD, PHD
“The advantages of the Thompson Retractor over other retractors include excellent upper abdominal visibility thanks to the ability to perform Subcostal Retraction. What is particularly good are the multiple set-up options, including the creation of a circle, catering to multiple procedures and patient sizes including those that are morbidly obese”
MEHRDAD NIKFARJAM MBBS, MD, PHD, FRACS
“The Thompson Retractor is of use at all times during cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC and is essential for an optimal result.”
PAUL H. SUGARBAKER, MD, FACS, FRCS
“By improving the direct visualization of the native landmarks during Direct Anterior Approach THA, the Thompson Hip Retractor System provides the surgeon with improved confidence for consistent, accurate component placement.”
LEE E. RUBIN, MD
“The Thompson Liver Transplant/Resection System is the best retractor system available.”
MICHAEL ANGELIS, MD
“I find the Thompson Retractor an invaluable tool. It is the only retractor of its kind that can accommodate 3, 5, and 10mm instruments. This allows me to perform complex laparoscopic and thoracoscopic cases on infants and children with ease and safety. I recommend it exclusively for all my cases.”
THOM LOBE, MD
“I use the Thompson retractor on every anterior cervical case, even single level procedures. The set up takes me less than 2 minutes and the improved exposure and solid non-mobile retraction provided is phenomenal.”
VINCENT TRAYNELIS, MD
“This retractor provides focal and dependable retraction in the space between the transverse processes. This exposure facilitates a transforaminal decompression, pedicle fixation, and intertransverse fusion in those patients in which an open approach is indicated. The system easily adapts to single or multilevel situations.”
VINCENT TRAYNELIS, MD
“The Thompson retractor is, in my view, the best retractor for complex HPB and gastrointestinal surgeries. It has allowed us to minimize the incision for a multi-visceral transplant, allowing it to be performed by a midline approach. The exposure obtained and the independence provided to the surgeons and assistants, provides the right setting for teaching. Every surgical department should have one.”
PROF GABRIEL E. GONDOLESI MD, MAAC, FACS
“I prefer the Thompson Retractor because it reduces dysphagia by reducing tissue damage”
MICHAEL G. FEHLINGS MD PHD FRCSC FACS FRSC
“Thompson Surgical provides the most hassle-free, versatile retractor. For those complex, difficult procedures, as well as the routine, its ease of setup, strength and use, as well as lack of constant readjustment, always provides me reliable and safe exposure. Hands down, this should be every surgeon’s go-to retractor.”
MICHAEL NIZZI, DO, FACOS
“The Thompson Retractor makes liver transplant easy. It provides outstanding exposure for pediatric liver transplant, the best retractor I have seen in my 25 years as a transplant surgeon.”
MICHAEL WACHS, MD
“I utilize the Thompson Retractor for exposure on all of my nerve sparing radical perineal prostatectomy cases because it contours to the wound, is low profile, and easily accommodates varying patient anatomy. The versatility of the retractor allows me to utilize a less invasive perineal approach to nerve sparing prostatectomies. I use it for excellent exposure to do pubovaginal slings as well.”
MICHAEL J. HARRIS, MD
“The Thompson System provides terrific cephalad rib retraction without ever slipping down or moving during the course of the case.”
BRENDAN C. VISSER, MD
“There is really no other system on the market that is comparable to the Thompson for open liver surgery. It offers the critical combination of easy set-up and dependable solidity.”
BRENDAN C. VISSER, MD
“The new Thompson cervical system with litepath has made a huge difference for my anterior cervical cases. Exposure now is second to none with great reliability and less adjustments needed compared to other systems. It is expedient as well and can be set up in under a minute once you have a handful of cases experience with it. It’s brilliant, the customer service team is very responsive and friendly, and it’s truly the system every anterior cervical spine surgeon needs in their toolbox!”
JEFFREY KACHMANN, MD
“I found the exposure afforded by this system to be excellent! It frees up my assistant’s hands and it’s rigidity provides secure consistent exposure.”
DOUGLAS F GEIGER, MD
“The Thompson Cervical Retractor System frees up my assistant’s hands for other tasks to help the surgery run more smoothly. Solid positioning of the retractor blades decreases risk of injury to local tissues. It’s a great system.”
VITTORIO M. MORREALE, MD
“When you buy a Thompson, you buy it for life.”
ALBERTO GOMEZ PORTILLA, MD, PHD
“I am absolutely in love with the Thompson System and the ‘hands-free’ surgical approach it provides.”
ALBERTO GOMEZ PORTILLA, MD, PHD
“When someone asks for an assistant, I say, ‘Pull out a Thompson!’”
ROBERT MIKKELSEN, MD
“The versatility of the Thompson Retractor allows us to change approaches to suit each patient, improving results and reducing incision sizes.”
PROF. GABRIEL E. GONDOLESI, MD, MAAC, FACS
“I rely on Thompson for all my challenging cases; it is my first choice of system.”
BRONEK BOSZCZYK, MD
“Use of the Thompson Hip System has increased efficiency and decreased operating time in our department.”
DR. LUK VERHELST
“I use the Thompson System for every hip case. It has been the most notable advancement the last two years in my orthopedic practice. I would never go back to the way it was done before.”
DR. LUK VERHELST
“The Thompson system provides the greatest level of safety for my patients.”
BRONEK BOSZCZYK, MD
“Where we set off to use the system as means to an end, reducing the need for extra staff, it has done much more than that. The Thompson System is always ready, always willing, never tired… It is my go-to, off the shelf, perfect assistant.”
DR. LUK VERHELST
“We believe the use of the Thompson System has improved our patient outcomes. The system is able to create much more consistent, non-traumatic tension on the retracted muscles. Intra-operative tears of the Tensor fascia latae in the direct anterior approach have reduced significantly following the introduction of the Thompson.”
DR. LUK VERHELST
“My first step, after applying pressure…is to call for the Thompson retractor.
I have successfully dealt with all kinds of uncontrolled situations now and my first step, after applying pressure and making sure anesthesia knows we’re in trouble, is to call for the Thompson retractor.”
RICHARD E. DAVIS MD FACS
“Thompson is the friendliest and most efficient company I have ever used. The whole thing takes time to introduce the product and as a result puts forward only the best opportunities that really suit you. They help from start to finish to create a great product identity for your company.”
Shalima Hayden, MD
We Give
We strive to help support our local and global communities.
We believe in giving back, not only to the environment, our local community, hospitals and surgeons, but also to people in need around the world.