The Heaney retractor is a hand-held, non-self-retaining surgical instrument. Its defining design feature is the 90° angled, rectangular blade. This shape is specifically intended to provide safe and effective retraction (holding back) of organs such as the urinary bladder and vaginal wall during procedures like abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies. The angle allows for optimal access to the pelvic cavity while keeping the surgeon's hand out of the operative field.