Commonly Used Surgical Instruments - Surgical Tools
High-grade surgical instruments are incredibly important for safe, efficient, and precise surgical procedures. Quality surgical tools play a primary role in patient care and treatment as well and allow surgeons to perform successful procedures with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. Let’s take a look at how the following common surgical tools contribute to successful surgeries.
Surgical Scissors and Their Uses
There are many types of surgical scissors. Surgical scissors are straight or curved and used for suturing, dissecting, or cutting tissue. Mayo scissors are straight and used to cut sutures. The curved type of scissor is used for cutting through heavy tissue. Metzenbaum scissors are lightweight and can easily cut through more delicate tissue. Potts scissors are surgically operating scissors that are used for making incisions in blood vessels. Iris scissors were originally used by ophthalmologists for fine tissue dissection as well as other delicate procedures and now have multiple uses, including cutting sutures and dissection.
Forceps: Grasping and Holding Tools
The purpose of forceps is to grasp objects or tissue. Forceps are designed to be serrated or non-serrated at the tip, depending on their use. The types of forceps most commonly used include Adson forceps — designed with a toothed tip, they are commonly used for closing skin and handling tissue that's dense. Bonney forceps are a heavy-duty variety that are commonly used to close inner layers of tissue in the abdomen. DeBakey and Russian forceps are also used to grasp tissue that's dense or to close wounds.
Clamps: Controlling Bleeding and Holding Tissue
Clamps — also referred to as locking forceps — are ratcheted to stop the flow of blood or to hold tissue in place. Clamps may be used for traumatic or minor procedures and to minimize tissue damage. Allis and Babcock clamps feature jaws that are rounded and are most commonly used to hold tissue in the intestinal tract. Another type of clamp is the Crile Hemostat, which is also referred to as a snap. The clamp is non-toothed and is used to grasp blood vessels or tissue that must be tied off. Additionally, the Crile Hemostat clamp can separate delicate tissue without causing trauma. The Kelly clamp is similar to the hemostat and is used for grasping vessels or large tissue.
Scalpels: Essential Cutting Instruments
The scalpel is a surgical instrument that's used to cut tissue and make initial incisions in surgical procedures. The scalpel features a sharp blade and a handle, so as to better control movement. Surgeons usually refer to scalpels by the number of the blade. The scalpel's number indicates the shape and size. The scalpel is used in general and orthopedic surgeries to make longer incisions. It's essential for surgeons to choose the correct size blade in order to minimize tissue damage and provide a successful surgical procedure.
The surgical blade is the part of the scalpel that does the cutting. Surgical blades are made using a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and ceramic. Carbon steel is durable and sharp, and carbon blades are primarily used for making precise cuts and require meticulous care to prevent rust. Stainless steel is also a popular choice for surgical blades, as it maintains its sharpness and resists corrosion. Ceramic blades also maintain their sharpness and are an excellent choice if a metal allergy is revealed.
Choosing the correct surgical blade depends on the type of procedure that will take place, the characteristics of the tissue, and the preference of the surgeon. The thickness and density of the tissue must be taken into consideration when choosing the correct size blade as well. Surgeons with years of experience usually have preferences about the size of the scalpel that they use, depending on the procedure.
Needle Holders for Suturing Procedures
The medical tool industry manufactures several types of tools that work well together, especially surgical needles and needle holders. It's essential to choose the most effective surgical tools when performing such a procedure. The Adson holder features a gripping mechanism that reduces the chances of slipping during surgical procedures. The Adson has a mechanism that locks in place to reduce slipping during long procedures.
The Castroviejo holder is most commonly used in microsurgery procedures and is typically available in a variety of sizes. The Cooley holder is another excellent choice for wound suturing. The holder features straight jaws to consistently be precise and is manufactured from German stainless steel that resists rust and can be used again in future procedures. The Mayo-Hegar holder is frequently used to close wounds. The needle is delicate, so it works effectively to close wounds without slipping. The Mayo-Hegar holder features a locking mechanism for more precision.
When it comes to successful surgical procedures, the right surgical tools make all the difference and are one of the most important components of a surgery. They play a pivotal role in more accurate incisions, reducing tissue harm and aiding a faster recovery process for patients.
Established in 1995, Surgical Tools, Inc. is a global supply firm with offices located worldwide, as well as maintaining a broad online presence. We provide medical professionals with the ability to purchase quality surgical instrumentation and equipment from a well-trusted source at cost effective pricing.