About Us

Keep your Thompson Retractor looking and working like new!

Thompson Surgical Instruments delivers Uncompromised Exposure to a variety of surgical specialties with the Thompson Retractor. In use for over fifty-five years, the Thompson Retractor is the only mechanical retractor to offer one frame for all exposure needs, multi-planed retraction, and unlimited customization.

The key to designing retractors is surgeon input. Early on, Thompson began working with a variety of specialties to provide the specific exposure surgeons need. With input from surgeons of varying specialties, Thompson Retractor has continued to lead the way in providing the visibility surgeons need to not only be successful but to give the confidence to try new, improved procedures.

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Our Mission

Journey to pursue successful patient outcomes (innovatively) around the world!

With designs driven by surgeon input, Thompson creates low-profile retractor retractors that provide uncompromised exposure for a variety of specialties. Thompson’s table-mounted design allows for strength and stability, independent retraction, and the ability to always duplicate your set up. Through annual surveys, we have found that the Thompson Retractor allows for reduction in procedure times, overall cost savings, and better patient outcomes*(* Source: Thompson Surgical Instruments Internal Survey, 2020). Thompson Surgical Instruments is a leader in our field for quality, innovation, and customer service. We strive to maintain this position and continue our “Relentless Pursuit of Perfection”.

* Source: Thompson Surgical Instruments Internal Survey, 2020

What Sets Thompson Apart From the Rest

We Design and Make it

Thompson creates, designs, and brings your retractors 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 Retractor has a lifetime of 10 years*! (* Refer to IFU for details and exceptions). We guarantee the life of your retractor through our Service & Warranty Program.

We Design and Make it

Thompson creates, designs, and brings your retractors 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

Our History

1965

In 1965, a patent is awarded

Richard C. Thompson, MD was awarded a patent for a table-mounted retractor . He began manufacturing the retractor in his garage and sold it to surgeons in California.
1972

In 1972 Dr. Farley establishes a rough prototype

Albert W. Farley, MD began using a rough prototype of a table-mounted retractor to improve exposure in carotid artery surgery and anterior cervical spine surgery. He discussed his ideas extensively with his son, Dan Farley, who studied Industrial Design.
1980

In 1980 Dr. Farley's son brought new ideas for manufacturing and distribution

With the help of Dr. Farley’s discussions, Dan developed a new prototype that Dr. Farley began using. Dan approached Dr. Thompson with his prototype. Dr. Thompson was very impressed and suggested Dan buy his company and use it as a stepping stone to develop and market his retractor .
1983

In 1983 Dan Farley acquires Dr. Thompson's company

Dr. Thompson sold his company to Dan, and Thompson Surgical Instruments was created on April 1, 1983!

Our Culture

Thompson prides itself on being a customer service-based company, treating every customer, colleague, employee like family.

Based out of Northern Michigan, Thompson Surgical Instruments has a company culture rooted in family. Thompson prides itself in a relationship-focused environment, with values in communication, respect, and integrity.

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We Give

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.

Thompson Retractor Foundation

When you upgrade your old retractor, we refurbish and send it to hospitals in need.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

We believe that being a responsible corporate citizen means giving back to the community. At least 10 percent of our profits are donated to charitable organizations all over the United States. We support organizations such as: