Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CIS Practice Questions and Study Guide

A retractor is a surgical instrument designed specifically to hold tissues back and maintain exposure during a surgical procedure. This is crucial in allowing the surgeon clear visibility and access to the area of interest, facilitating a safer and more efficient operation. By retracting the surrounding tissues, the retractor prevents obstruction of the surgical field, which is essential for precision in delicate procedures.

In contrast, other functions such as cutting sutures, grasping and manipulating tissues, or occluding ducts pertain to different surgical tools tailored for those specific tasks. For instance, scissors or scalpels are used for cutting sutures, while forceps are designed to grasp and manipulate tissues. Devices meant to occlude ducts, such as clamps, serve a distinct purpose in controlling the flow of fluids or blood. Therefore, the primary function of a retractor as a holder of tissues is what clearly defines its role in surgery.