Welcome to Surgo's A to Z Guide to Medical Instruments! In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, medical instruments play a pivotal role in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring patients with precision and care. As technology advances and new innovations emerge, it can be challenging to keep up with the vast array of instruments utilized in various medical fields. Fear not, for this comprehensive guide is here to demystify the intricacies of medical instruments, from the most commonly used to the cutting-edge tools reshaping modern medicine. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional looking to refresh your knowledge or an aspiring student eager to explore the fascinating world of medical technology, join us on this informative journey as we uncover the essential A to Z of medical instruments.
- Used for precise dressing application and removal
Adson Dressing Forceps can be used for precise dressing application and removal during medical procedures. They can be used to grasp dressing materials such as gauze and cotton and are ideal when dressing or packing wounds. The serrated teeth allow the manipulation of dressings without trauma.
- Used to grasp, hold, and move tissues that require a firm grip
Adson Tissue Forceps can be used for precise tissue manipulation during medical procedures. The two fine teeth on the inner portion of one tip and a single tooth on the other tip enable you to achieve a tight grip on tissue such as skin, fascia and the abdominal wall.
- Ideal for grasping fascia and soft tissues and can be used for stabilization of the cervix during IUD placement
Allis Tissue Forceps, also known as Allis clamps are equipped with sharp teeth designed to securely hold and grasp tissues during surgical procedures. Versatile and dependable, they are well-suited for various applications, including working with fascia and soft tissues like breast or bowel tissue. Additionally, these forceps can be employed to stabilize the uterus by grasping the cervix during the insertion of an intrauterine device.
- Used to secure drapes and towels to patients to maintain a sterile environment
Backhaus Towel Clamps can be used during medical procedures to secure drapes and towels to patients to maintain a sterile working environment. The Backhaus towel clips have pointed tips and a ratchet locking system.
- Widely used in otolaryngology and rhinology procedures, particularly for submucous resection of the nasal septum
The unique swivel action allows for exceptional maneuverability and control, enabling surgeons to perform delicate and precise incisions without the blade being obstructed by their hands.
- Used in ophthalmic procedures for precise needle handling and are ideal for corneal, lens, and delicate eye structure surgeries
These needle holders feature a slender, elongated spring design with two hinged arms, sharp and curved jaws with textured surfaces for a secure grip, and knurled, rounded handles for easy rotation.
- Straight design with cross-serrated tips and centre groove offers a secure grip on suture needles
With shorter jaws than other needle holders, such as Crile-Wood and Mayo-Hegar, Baumgartner Needle Holders provide improved precision and control. The straight design, cross-serrated tips, and 5.5" length ensure ease of use and reliability while the centre groove feature enhances needle stability.
- For the precise removal of excess cerumen and foreign bodies from the ear canal
Featuring a long handle and a wire teardrop-shaped tip, the Billeau Ear Loop Curette is perfect for thorough ear canal cleaning. Its length ensures optimal reach, and the small tip allows for the precise removal of excess cerumen and foreign bodies.
- Used for shave biopsy, saucerization of flat lesions, and levelling of pedunculated lesions
A sterile and disposable scalpel that features a stainless steel, razor-sharp cutting edge that can be used for shave biopsy, saucerization of flat lesions, and levelling of pedunculated lesions.
- Ideal for fragile tissue manipulation and widely used in ophthalmologic procedures
With their small size and carefully crafted teeth, these forceps facilitate precise movements within the eye without causing harm to delicate tissues. Ophthalmologists commonly use them inside the anterior chamber to perform a variety of ocular procedures.
- Ideal for grasping tissue during gynecological procedures
Bozeman Uterine Dressing Forceps are commonly used for gynecological procedures. The partially serrated long jaws of these uterine dressing forceps can be used to grasp tissue while the locking ratchet mechanism enables the gynecological forceps to be used as a clamp when required.
- Features 7 x 7 teeth and provide a delicate yet secure hold on fragile tissues
The Brown-Adson Tissue Forceps are designed for delicate tissue manipulation and secure grasping. Featuring small jaws and short tips with fine saw-like toothed edges on each side, they provide a delicate yet secure hold on fragile tissues. With their multiple columns of fine interlocking teeth, they are especially useful in cosmetic surgery where precision is crucial.
- Used for cleaning the ear canal, foreign body removal and excising tissues as part of a biopsy
The Buck Curette is a thin, prob-like instrument with a long handle and a round fenestrated tip. It can be used for cleaning the ear canal and for the removal of excess cerumen as well as during ear surgeries to excise tissues as part of a biopsy.
- Ideal for dressing wounds, seamless suture removal and for precise isolation of small blood vessels
Carmalt Splinter Forceps can be used for a wide range of procedures including the removal and placement of wound closure adhesive strips, suture removal, isolation of small blood vessels for electrosurgical destruction, and secure holding of suture ends during cutting.
- Primarily utilized in microsurgery, the design accommodates very small sutures and allows for accurate suturing with minimal tissue trauma
Distinguished by its fine tip and effortless handle mechanism, the Castroviejo Needle Holder is a specialized instrument primarily utilized in microsurgery. The needle holder accommodates very small sutures, ranging from 5-0 to 8-0 calibre, and includes a straightforward locking mechanism for ease of use.
- Will effectively remove black and whiteheads from the skin and won't cause harm to the surrounding skin area
Comedone extractors, commonly known as blackhead removers, are designed to effectively remove black and whiteheads from the skin without causing harm to the surrounding area. These small metal instruments are crafted with care to treat various skin conditions and allow for the safe and precise extraction of clogged pores.
- Used for holding back tissue from small or shallow incisions
Cross Action Retractors with Sharp or Blunt Prongs are made from high-quality German stainless steel and are specifically designed to hold back tissues with precision. This 4" retractor boasts cross-action outward curving teeth that provide a secure grip. The instrument's self-retaining feature and self-locking mechanism ensure hands-free stability.
- Ideal for clamping blood vessels and tissues to control bleeding
Crile Forceps are primarily utilized to temporarily halt blood flow in larger blood vessels during general surgeries. Available with either curved or straight jaws with full serrations, the Crile Hemostatic Forceps offer both versatility and precision and feature a locking ratchet on the ring handles. These atraumatic and non-toothed clamps provide a gentle yet secure grip, making them ideal for clamping blood vessels and tissues to control bleeding before cauterization or ligation.
- Holds small needles and 5-0 and 6-0 sutures with precision
With short serrated jaws that securely hold small needles, including 5-0 and 6-0 sutures,Miltex Derf Needle Holders are frequently used in ophthalmic, dental, and plastic procedures. The needle holder features ratcheted finger ring handles for self-retaining clamps.
- Used for taking tissue samples from the skin for biopsy
Available in a range of sizes, with both disposable and reusable options, dermal punches feature a sharp cutting edge to facilitate the taking of skin samples. The shape of the samples are cylindrical cores of tissue.
- Used for delicate eyelid retraction during ophthalmic procedures
The Desmarres Lid Retractor is used for delicate eyelid retraction during ophthalmic procedures. It features meticulously curved dual blades that seamlessly conform to the eye's contours, ensuring a gentle retraction mechanism that minimizes the risk of tissue trauma.
- Tests static and moving two-point discrimination of fingers, toes or sensory flaps
2-point discrimination wheel tests static and moving two-point discrimination of fingers, toes or sensory flaps. Ideal for testing following nerve repair, grafts and innervated tissue transfer for desensitization, or to determine the level of impairment.
- Heavy duty and durable, ideal for the removal of arm and leg casts
These scissors are expertly designed for the swift and precise removal of arm and leg casts. Ideal for both orthopedic and general surgeries, these heavy-duty medical shears have short blades for meticulous dissection and effortless cast removal.
- Used to extract foreign bodies, isolating and clamping blood vessels and suturing
Feilchenfeld Splinter Forceps can be used to extract foreign bodies from wounds and cavities, as well as isolating and clamping blood vessels and can be used for suturing when necessary.
- For the removal of skin growths, such as warts or melanomas
The Fox Dermal Curette has a ring-shaped cutting edge, featuring a sharp interior and a blunt exterior. This ensures the targeted skin growths, such as warts or melanomas, are safely removed without damaging the surrounding healthy skin.
- Used to secure gauze during surgical procedures
Foerster Sponge Forceps are used to secure gauze for optimal fluid absorption and hemostasis during surgical procedures.
- Used for intricate cranial procedures, the hook grasps, elevates, and mobilizes the cranial dura
The Miltex Frazier Dura Hooks are made from high-quality German stainless steel and are used for intricate cranial procedures. Designed for precision, these hooks adeptly grasp, elevate, and mobilize the cranial dura, proving invaluable during craniotomy and brain exposure surgeries.
- Used for intricate nasal procedures, the double prongs are adept at delicately retracting and securing tissues
Typically used during nasal procedures, its double prongs are adept at delicately retracting and securing tissues, facilitating a clearer view of the underlying structures. The elongated shaft ensures easy access to intricate areas, while the ergonomic handle offers precise control, enhancing the surgeon's dexterity.
- Suitable for the delicate task of removing eye sutures, can be used for micro dissections and dermatological procedures
Designed with precision in mind, the Miltex Gradle Eye Suture Scissors are specifically crafted for the delicate task of removing eye sutures as their round-edged blades prioritize patient safety. They prove equally adept at micro dissections and dermatological procedures.
- Used to control blood flow in medical procedures, ideal for clamping vessels
Halstead Mosquito Forceps feature a straight or curved tip and are ideal for clamping vessels and controlling blood flow during medical procedures.
- Used to hold and manipulate surgical needles during procedures
Featuring a scissor-like jaw design with flat, blunt tips and a locking mechanism for secure needle grasping, these holders ensure precise manipulation.
- Commonly used in myringotomy procedures to insert or remove tubes or dressings and packing
A versatile ENT instrument with atraumatic serrated jaws ideal for secure clamping of foreign objects and tissue and long-reaching shafts that allow for deep surgical access.
- Ideal for clamping vessels to control blood flow in medical procedures
Ideal for clamping vessels and controlling blood flow during medical procedures, Hartmann Mosquito Forceps are made from the highest quality stainless steel.
Nail Nippers / Ingrown Nail Splitting Scissors
- Ideal for precise trimming of tough cuticles, hangnails, and ingrown nails
Surgeons utilize cuticle nippers to maintain nail hygiene, reduce infection risks, and promote healthy nail growth by trimming nails to the appropriate length, helping to protect the nail bed and prevent potential injuries
- Ideal for a variety of delicate operations and precision suture removal
Short and sharp with a straight or curved tip, Iris scissors are finer than Metzenbaums and are ideal for a wide variety of delicate operations across a range of specialities. Iris scissors can also be used for precision suture removal.
- Commonly used during iridectomy and similar eye procedures
Iris Tissue Forceps are specialized instruments frequently utilized in ophthalmic surgeries for gripping, manipulating, or extracting iris tissues post-incision.
- Provides reliable retraction of skin during intranasal and pharyngeal procedures
The Joseph Skin Hook is a crucial instrument for holding back skin edges during intranasal and pharyngeal procedures. This versatile tool is also ideal for use in nasal, breast, and facial surgeries.
- Used in surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, and emergency medicine and versatile for clamping, holding tissues, removing objects, and suturing
Designed with a ratcheted locking mechanism and serrated jaws, these forceps provide a secure grip on blood vessels or tissues, ensuring effective hemostasis during surgical procedures.
- Designed for obtaining biopsy samples, even through cartilage
The Keyes Dermal Punch is specially designed for obtaining biopsy samples, even through cartilage. Its sharp round tip ensures precise circular excision, while the range of tip diameters from 2.0 to 8.0mm allows for suitability in all applications.
- Aids the removal of cerumen and foreign objects from the ear canal
For professional use only, these lighted ear curettes are ideal for audiologists, family practices, and primary care physicians. They allow you to see into the ear canal and remove cerumen and foreign objects and eliminate the need to use a separate light source in an attempt to enhance visualization.
- Ideal for cutting bandages, plaster and fabric without harming the skin
Lister Bandage Scissors feature an angled tip with a flattened blunt nodule on the lower blade, designed to skillfully cut bandages while safeguarding the skin from harm. Ideal for sizing dressings and removing circumferential bandages, these scissors can also be used for cutting tougher materials like plaster and fabric.
- Use as an aid for nasotracheal intubation and for the removal of foreign bodies obstructing the airway
Magill Endotracheal Forceps, also known as intubation forceps, are suitable for use as an aid for nasotracheal intubation as well as the removal of foreign bodies obstructing the airway. Easy and safe to use, the angled design of these bent forceps will not obscure a clinician's view.
- Can be used during suturing procedures as well as to cut through tissue
Straight-bladed Mayo scissors are designed for the precise cutting of body tissues near the surface of wounds and are commonly referred to as suture scissors due to their versatile use in suturing procedures. On the other hand, the curved-bladed Mayo scissors offer deeper penetration into wounds, making them ideal for cutting through thick tissues.
- Drives curved needles during surgeries
Featuring a broader jaw with a rounded tip and straight, cross-serrated inserts, it offers exceptional control and stability when holding suturing needles.
- Ideal for cutting of delicate tissues and blunt dissection
Metzenbaum scissors feature curved or straight blades with blunt tips, making them ideal for the precise cutting of delicate tissues and blunt dissection. Their extended handles and short blades enable deep cuts in organ-related surgeries, while their blunt cutting edges ensure optimal performance in dissecting various tissues with finesse.
- Ideal for precise trimming of tough cuticles, hangnails, and ingrown nails
Cuticle Nippers, also known as nail nippers or nail splitters, are essential tools used by professionals for manicures and pedicures to trim tough cuticles, hangnails, and ingrown nails with precision.
- Dual-purpose design allows you to efficiently grasp and secure the needle for stitching while using the integrated scissors to trim suture ends
The Olsen-Hegar Needle Holder is a versatile surgical tool that merges the functionality of a needle holder and surgical scissors into a single instrument, making it an invaluable asset for suturing procedures.
- Ideal for cutting sutures, tubing and gauze and for general, multipurpose cutting and dissecting
Operating Scissors are available in a range of configurations including straight or curved blades with sharp and/or blunt edges. This multi-purpose and popular scissor type is ideal for cutting materials like sutures, tubing, and gauze and is also suitable for general, multipurpose cutting and dissecting needs.
- Ideal for removing growths and lesions from the skin's surface
Designed with an oval cutting edge at the end of a cylindrical metal handle, the Piffard Dermal Curette offers a safe and effective solution for removing excess growths and lesions from the skin surface.
- An essential tool in various nail surgeries, especially when managing ingrown toenails
Designed specifically for managing ingrown toenails, the jaws expertly splits the ingrown portion of the nail and removes it from the surrounding soft tissue.
- Reflex hammer for the elicitation of myotatic, plantar and abdominal responses
The Queens Square Hammer is a weighted, agile percussion device for the effective elicitation of myotatic, plantar and abdominal responses with greater patient comfort.
- Designed for precise placement and removal of Raney Scalp Clips
Raney Clip Applying and Removing Forceps are essential tools for neurosurgeons, specifically designed for the precise placement and detachment of Raney Scalp Clips during craniotomies and other neurosurgical procedures.
- Ideal for delicate and complex surgical procedures
These scissors feature one razor-sharp edge and one standard scissor edge, allowing for sharp incisions with the cutting control of scissors.
- Used to occlude large blood vessels and tissues
Essential hemostatic clamps designed for occluding large blood vessels and tissues, particularly in deeper wounds or denser tissues. Their distinctive design includes longitudinal serrations along the blade with cross-hatching at the tip, ensuring a secure grip on clamped tissues.
- Used to clamp blood vessels, grasp thick tissue, and retract organs
Used to clamp blood vessels, grasp thick tissue, and retract organs. Commonly employed in procedures like orthopedic surgery, they help control bleeding and provide a secure grip on dense tissue.
- Ideal for clamping larger blood vessels and controlling blood flow
Rochester Pean Forceps are robust and versatile ratchet forceps specifically designed for clamping larger blood vessels and controlling blood flow during various surgical procedures, including myocardial repair, coronary artery bypass, heart transplant, biopsies, and tumour resection.
- Compact, double-ended tool designed for the effective treatment of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne
This double-ended instrument features a sharp lancet for rupturing pustules and a cup-shaped extractor wide spoon end for clearing clogged pores. By gently pressing the loop around blemishes, it helps prevent breakouts from becoming inflamed.
Schroder (Pozzi) Tenaculum Forceps
- For seizing and holding arteries and can be used for stabilization of the cervix during IUD placement
Schroder Tenaculum Forceps, also known as uterine or cervical forceps, are ideal for seizing and holding arteries in various surgical procedures. A tenaculum can also be used to steady the cervix and uterus during the insertion of an intrauterine device as well as other gynecological procedures.
Sims Gynecological Scissors / Sims Uterine Scissors
- Hook shaped tip on one blade that is ideal for removing sutures
Spencer Stitch Scissors, also known as Spencer Suture Scissors or Littauer Stitch Scissors, feature a hook shaped tip on one blade that is ideal for slipping underneath both internal and external sutures to remove them.
- Used to test deep tendon reflexes and to detect potential abnormalities in the central or peripheral nervous system.
The Taylor Reflex Hammer is an important diagnostic tool used by physicians to test deep tendon reflexes, an essential part of the neurological physical examination in order to assess the peripheral and central nervous system.
- For dressing wounds, suturing and wound debridement
Thumb Dressing Forceps can be used for dressing wounds, suturing and wound debridement to remove necrotic or infected tissue.
- Ideal for holding and manipulating different types of tissues
Standard Tissue Forceps are used in various applications for securely holding and manipulating different types of tissues. These forceps feature teeth on their tips, allowing for a secure and firm grip, making them ideal for holding and manipulating different types of tissues. The 2x3 teeth forceps provide a higher grasping power compared to the 1x2 teeth variant.
- 4-in-1 dual mallet-type reflex hammer designed for eliciting myotatic and cutaneous responses
The Tromner Reflex Hammer features small and large rubber tips and a hollow tapered handle with a sharp chrome point. Retractable brush to effectively elicit myotatic, cutaneous, and plantar responses with less effort and greater patient comfort.
- Used to assess hearing loss and to detect bone fractures
Tuning forks are typically used by clinicians for assessing a patient's hearing abilities. Beyond its role in hearing tests, it also proves useful in detecting bone fractures. The process is straightforward: the physician strikes the tuning fork and places the vibrating fork in close proximity to the suspected area of the fracture.
- Designed for isolating and dissecting medical wires
Ideal for use in dental, orthopedic, and general surgeries, these scissors are particularly effective in cutting fracture supports and adjusting braces.
- Designed to easily remove aluminium crimp tops from vials and bottles
Vial Decapper Pliers are designed to easily remove aluminium crimp tops from vials and bottles. With surgical-grade stainless steel construction, these passivated Vial Decapper Pliers are smooth and simple to operate.
- Ideal for distal limb surgeries involving small joints, soles, and palms
Featuring an ergonomic hollow ringed handle, the Volkmann Retractor provides superior surgical control and precise tissue manipulation, enhancing the overall efficiency and accuracy of the procedure.
- Used to test nerve reactions (sensitivity)
The Wartenberg pinwheel or Wartenberg neuro wheel is used for neurological testing. Used to test nerve reactions (sensitivity) as it rolled systematically across the skin. The wheel, which has evenly-spaced radiating sharp pins, rotates as it is rolled across the skin.
