Types of surgical instruments: a list of names and what each one does

Types of surgical instruments that cut and dissect

Cutting instruments include scalpels and scissors. A scalpel handle carries a replaceable blade for the first incision, while scissors do the rest: operating scissors cut tissue and sutures, Metzenbaum scissors dissect delicate tissue, Mayo scissors cut denser tissue such as fascia, and bandage scissors remove dressings. The REDA scissors range lists these patterns and more, including vascular and micro scissors.

Dissecting instruments also include probes and directors, which separate or guide tissue without cutting. The REDA general surgery section lists buttoned probes and grooved directors, as well as suture and ligature needles, thorax trocars and vein strippers.

Scalpel blades are numbered, and the same handle takes several blade sizes, so the number on the blade matters as much as the handle. Check that blades and handles you stock are compatible before ordering, and keep spare handles because the grooves on the shaft can wear.

Instruments that grasp and hold

Thumb forceps, also called tissue forceps or pickups, hold tissue gently while the surgeon cuts or sutures. Toothed versions hold skin and fascia securely, and smooth or fine-serrated versions suit delicate tissue and bowel. Common patterns include Adson, Adson-Brown and Cushing, while DeBakey and Cooley are atraumatic patterns for vascular work.

Other holding instruments include towel clamps that fix drapes to the skin and sponge-holding forceps that carry swabs. Allis and Babcock clamps hold tissue such as bowel or fascia with a wider, less traumatic grip than toothed forceps.

Each of these holding instruments has a different job, but they share a principle: use the least traumatic grip that does the job. Reserve toothed forceps for tough tissue and atraumatic patterns for delicate structures, and clamp bowel only with instruments intended for it.

Clamping and haemostatic instruments

Haemostatic forceps, known as artery forceps or haemostats, clamp bleeding vessels so they can be tied or cauterised. The REDA forceps and clamps section lists Halsted-Mosquito, Hartmann, Crile, Kelly, Spencer-Wells, Rochester-Pean, Rochester-Ochsner, Kocher and Bengolea, in straight and curved versions and several lengths.

Vascular clamps such as bulldog clamps and serrefines occlude vessels with minimal damage. Mixter and Overholt forceps are used for dissection around deep vessels. Each family has its own jaw design, so ask for the exact pattern when you specify a set.

• Mosquito, Crile, Kelly: small to medium vessels
• Rochester-Pean, Kocher: larger pedicles and tougher tissue
• Bulldog clamps, serrefines: temporary vascular occlusion
• Towel and sponge forceps: draping and swabbing

Retracting, suturing and suction instruments

Retractors hold tissue aside for access. Hand-held patterns include Langenbeck, Farabeuf and Deaver, self-retaining ones include Weitlaner and Gelpi, and abdominal frames include Balfour. Needle holders such as Mayo-Hegar drive the needle through tissue, and suture scissors cut the thread. Suction tubes remove blood and fluid from the field.

A complete list of surgical instruments also includes specialty tools for orthopaedics, neurosurgery, ENT and other fields, but the families above form the core of a general surgery set. For a more formal approach, see our article on classification of surgical instruments.

Suction tubes come in different diameters and tips, and the choice depends on the procedure: a fine tip protects delicate tissue, while a wide bore clears blood quickly in a large cavity. Include at least two sizes in a general set and make sure they are compatible with your suction tubing and connectors.

Learning and specifying names

Learn instruments by family first and then by eponym: a single glance at jaw, handle and curve usually narrows down the possibilities. Names vary slightly by country and manufacturer, so when you place an order give the pattern, length and finish rather than a generic description. Our guide to learning surgical instruments offers a study method.

REDA Instrumente of Tuttlingen, whose range is described on the REDA brand page, states that its quality system is certified to DIN EN ISO 13485. Beckfinity can help turn your list of names into a quotation; contact us via our contact page.