Surgical Instruments Overview

Study Notes

Surgical Instruments

Arthroscope: Used to inspect the inside of a joint.
Aspirator: Used to withdraw fluid from body cavities, cysts, or joints.
Autoclave: Sterilizes instruments with pressurized steam.
Catheter: A tube inserted in a narrow opening for removal or introduction of fluids.
Clamp: Used to compress a blood vessel or close off the end of the intestine.
Cord Clamp: A flexible band used to compress or close off an opening.
Curette: A spoon-shaped instrument used to scrape tissue from body cavities.
Cystoscope: Instrument used to view the interior of the bladder.
Diathermy Knife: An electrode tipped blade used to coagulate tissue or small blood vessels.
Drain: Used to remove fluid from a body cavity.
Drain tube: Used to remove fluid from inside the body.
Endoscope: Flexible instrument used to view and examine internal body parts.
Float: Instrument used to file or rasp a horse’s premolar and molar teeth.
Fluoroscope: Device used to view x-rays.
Forceps: Used to grasp and pull objects.
Hemostat: Used to stop or prevent bleeding.
Hypodermic: Needle and syringe used for injection under the skin.
Inhalant Anesthesia: Anesthesia administered by inhaling.
Lancet: A surgical knife with a sharp point.
Ligature: Nylon, wire, or catgut tied around a structure to prevent bleeding.
Local Anesthesia: Anesthesia that numbs a specific area without causing loss of consciousness.
Nebulizer: Device that applies a fine mist.
Ophthalmoscope: Instrument that directs a beam of light into the eye for examination.
Probe: Thin, flexible, metal rod with a blunt end, used to explore cavities and wounds.
Regional Anesthesia: Anesthesia applied to a limb or entire section of the body.
Respirator: Device to inflate lungs with oxygen and air to maintain respiration.
Respirometer: Device used to measure respiration.
Resuscitator: Device that forces oxygen into the lungs.
Retractor: Used to move aside tissue to expose an operational site.
Scalpel: Small, pointed surgical knife used to cut tissue.
Scope: Flexible fiber-optic instrument for viewing the body interior.
Scrub Suit: Gown, often green, worn by doctors during surgery.
Snare: A wire noose that is used to remove tumors or polyps by the roots, usually by endoscopy.
Sound: Rodlike instrument used to explore or dilate body structures.
Speculum: An instrument that holds open a cavity for inspection.
Sphygmograph: An instrument for measuring and recording arterial pulse.
Spirograph: Instrument used to record respiratory movements.
Stethoscope: Used to listen to sounds within the body.
Stitches: Sterile thread used to close a wound or surgical opening.
Surgical Gloves: Hygienic plastic gloves worn by surgeons.
Surgical Gown: Sterile cotton gown worn by operating room personnel.
Surgical Instruments: Various sterilized tools used during surgery.
Surgical Mask: Cotton mask worn over mouth and nose by surgeons.
Surgical Needle: Needle used for sutures.
Surgical Sponge: Absorbent material that absorbs blood and body fluids during surgery.
Surgical Staple: Device used to close surgical openings without sutures.
Suture: Sterile thread used to close a wound or surgical opening.
Suture Needle: Needle used for sutures.
Syringe: Tube with a piston attached to a hollow needle.
Topical Anesthesia: Anesthesia applied to the skin to numb a surface area.
Wick: Thin, absorbent thread inserted into a body cavity for drainage.
X-Ray Machine: Device that emits radiation to produce images of the inside of the body.