A manual device designed to flatten material (e.g., tissue, foam) for use in a surgical procedure (e.g., tympanoplasty) after it has been flattened. The device is typically in the form of two hinged plates with a tightening mechanism (e.g., screws) to press the plates together with the material between. It is typically made of high-grade stainless steel. This is a reusable device.