Thompson Surgical Instruments
Thompson Surgical Instruments delivers Uncompromised Exposure to a variety of surgical specialties with the Thompson Retractor. In use for over fifty 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 retractor systems 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’s retractor systems have 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.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Manufacturer
- Industry Type:
- Medical Monitoring
- Market Focus:
- Nationally (across the country)
- Employees:
- 101-1000
About Us
Richard C. Thompson, MD, practiced anesthesia for over 30 years, during which time, he developed his idea for a table-mounted retractor. After a vascular surgeon colleague expressed additional interest in such a system, Dr. Thompson had 10 sets of a table-mounted retractor system manufactured for use by surgical colleagues. Thus, the first table-mounted retractor system was born. A patent for this was awarded in 1965. While continuing in practice as an anesthesiologist, he began manufacturing the retractor in his garage and selling it to surgeons in California.
Dan Farley’s father, Dr. Albert W. Farley Jr., practiced neurosurgery in Saginaw, Michigan, and perceived that a table-fixed retractor would be of value in neurosurgery. In 1972, Dr. Farley began using a rough prototype to improve exposure in carotid artery surgery and anterior cervical spine surgery. He discussed these ideas extensively with his son Dan, who majored in industrial design in college.
On the basis of these discussions, Dan developed a new prototype that his father began using in 1980. In the early 1980s, Dan Farley approached Dr. Thompson with his prototype, wanting Dr. Thompson to manufacture and distribute the retractor. Although he was very impressed, Dr. Thompson had begun to think of retirement and suggested that Dan Farley buy his company and use this as a stepping stone to develop and market his retractor system. With a handshake, Dr. Thompson sold his company to Dan and Thompson Surgical Instruments was created April 1, 1983.
Our Team
Our team is exceptional. We are an employee-owned company comprised of self motivated, customer driven, ethical, honest, open-minded, and friendly individuals who excel in what they do. These individuals are committed to providing the very best customer service and developing the most innovative and highest quality mechanical retractors.
As a leader in our industry, Thompson Surgical Instruments provides a challenging, team-oriented, healthy, fun, and rewarding work environment that our employees enjoy. Our employees are the backbone at Thompson and are proud to be members of our team.
Thompson Surgical Mission Statement
Thompson Surgical Instruments is the leader in our field for quality, innovation, and customer service. We will strive to maintain this position and continue our 'Relentless Pursuit of Perfection.'