Classification of Surgical Instruments

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@ManeuverableForgetMeNot2590

Study Notes

Cutting and Dissecting Instruments

Bandage Scissors: Blunt probe tip for safe insertion under bandages; used primarily for the removal of bandages and dressings.

Operating (Surgical) Scissors

Types: Metzenbaum, Mayo, Iris Scissors; lengths typically range from 4 to 6 inches.
Function: Cutting and dissecting tissue; straight Mayo scissors also used for suture removal.

Specialized Scissors

Littauer Stitch Scissors: 4 to 5 inches long, featuring a beak or hook for suture removal.
Disposable Scalpels: Standard handle No. 3 and its variations; blades include No. 15 for common use, with Nos. 10, 11, and 12 for specialty incisions.

Grasping and Clamping Instruments

Hemostatic Forceps: Curved or straight jaws; stabilize vessels and hold tissue. Specific types include Mosquito (small), Crile (medium), and Kelly (large).
Needle Holders: 4 to 7 inches long with stronger jaws than hemostats; designed for a firm grasp on suture needles.

Various Forceps

Splinter Forceps: Vary in design; fine tips for retrieving foreign objects.
Adson Forceps: Smooth or serrated jaws used for grasping tissue during suturing.
Plain Thumb (Dressing) Forceps: Available in lengths from 4 to 12 inches; serrated jaws without teeth for deep cavity tasks.

Surgical Clamps

Towel Forceps: 3 to 6 ½ inches long; secure surgical drapes; come with sharp or dull edges.
Allis Tissue Forceps: Different lengths available; primarily used for grasping tissue around wounds.
Foerster Sponge Forceps: For holding gauze; can be straight or curved with optional serrations.

Transfer and Specialty Forceps

Transfer Forceps: Available in multiple sizes for sterile handling of instruments.
Adson Thumb Forceps: Common 4-inch length, used for tissue grasping during suturing.
Bayonet Forceps: Smooth-tipped; facilitate packing insertion or object retrieval from the nose or ear.

Tissue Forceps

Plain-Tip and Toothed Tissue Forceps: Ranging from 4 to 8 inches; used for grasping tissue while minimizing trauma.

Retractors

Senn Retractor: Blunt flat end and a three-prong end; retracts small incisions or secures skin edges.

Probes and Dilators

Probes: Lengths from 4 to 12 inches; helps locate foreign bodies in tissue or trace wound tracts.
Trocars and Obturators: Various sizes for fluid withdrawal, drainage, or irrigation via cannula.

Specula Types

General Specula: Used to distend body cavities; common in gynecology, available in reusable or disposable options.
Nasal Specula: Facilitate nostril examination and introduce instruments for enhanced visibility.

Gynecologic Instruments

Foerster Sponge Forceps: Round tips serve similar functions to dressing forceps.
Placenta Forceps: Essential for uterine tissue extraction.
Uterine Curettes: Sims type used for scraping, effective for polyps or uterine tissue removal.

Uterine Manipulators

Schroeder Uterine Vulsellum Forceps: Grasp cervical tissue for specimen collection; similar types hold the cervix during procedures.

Uterine Dilators

Hegar Uterine Dilators: Available in sets; double or single-ended for cervical dilation.

Instruments for Ear, Nose, and Throat

Krause Nasal Snare: Wire loop for polyp removal in the nasal area.
Hartman "Alligator" Ear Forceps: Designed for foreign body retrieval in ear canals.

Laryngeal Examination Tools

Laryngeal Mirror: Multiple sizes, aids in larynx examination.
Metal Tongue Depressor: Depresses the tongue for oral assessment.

Biopsy Instruments

Cervical Biopsy Forceps: Obtain tissue samples for diagnostics; available with or without teeth.

Genitourinary Instruments

Foley Catheter: Sizes 8 to 32 French; balloon inflation mechanism used for bladder retention.
Red Robinson Catheter: Temporary urethral catheter for drainage or specimen collection.

Syringe Use

12-mL Luer-Lok Syringe: For injecting sterile saline into catheters; ideal for larger volumes.

Description

This quiz focuses on the classification and definitions of various surgical instruments, including cutting and dissecting tools. You'll learn about the characteristics and uses of bandage scissors as well as different types of operating scissors. Perfect for students in medical or surgical fields.

Classification of Surgical Instruments

Podcast

Questions and Answers

What are the characteristics of Bandage Scissors?

Which of the following types of operating (surgical) scissors are mentioned?

Mayo scissors can only be used for cutting tissue.

What is the usual length of Adson Thumb Forceps?

What are Plain-Tip Tissue Forceps used for?

The usual length of Hegar Uterine Dilators is _____ to _____ inches.

What is the purpose of the Laryngeal Mirror?

Foerster Sponge Forceps are designed to hold gauze squares.

Which instruments are classified under Gynecologic Instruments?

Match the following instruments with their use:

What is the use of the Foley Catheter?

What is the function of a Trocars?

Nasal Specula are used to spread the nostrils for examination.