IN ORDER to use both hands during the transmeatal operations, several self-retainers have been devised. These, nevertheless, have the disadvantage of limited mobility.
In the stapedectomy, we use the quick check device, which has the following parts: (a) a magnetic base (Fig 1, 1) that is fixed by a push-button magnetizer (Fig 1 and 2, 2); (b) a flexible stand (Fig 1 and 2, 3) that can be adjusted and locked into desired position by a locking lever (Fig 1 and 2, 4); and (c) a variety of specula auris to which a metal bar, 7 mm in diameter, is affixed (Fig 1 and 3, 5).
The quick-check device is locked (a) to a metal plate (Fig 1 and 2, 6) that must be introduced under the patient's head or (b) to the edge of the table, if this table is of ferrous metal. The sterilization of