4 Commonly used surgical instruments

Surgical instruments are effective and efficient tools that enable doctors to conduct surgeries and operations. Some instruments are for basic procedures and are very common while others are used for complex operations. But whether it is surgical forceps or scissors, each instrument is unique and is used for a variety of purposes like clamping, retracting, exposing, and dissecting to name a few. Here are some surgical instruments that are frequently used by doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel.

 

Forceps

 

Any kind of surgery would be impossible to perform without forceps. These instruments help surgeons to grasp, hold or retract the tissues, blood vessels etc. There are two kinds of forceps - locking forceps and non-locking forceps. Also known as thumb forceps, non-locking forceps are mainly used to hold the tissue when the surgery is in process. The instrument also helps to move dressings. Meanwhile, locking forceps are can control blood flow, prevent bleeding and grasp needles.

 

Scissors

 

An essential and basic instrument, scissors are used for a variety of purposes like dissecting, cutting tissues and suture. Some varieties of scissors include mayo scissors, which are heavy and used to cut sutures. Metzenbaum Scissors are light and effortlessly dissect soft and delicate tissue. Iris scissors are for treating fine suture and Potts Scissors to make an incursion in the blood vessels.

 

Scalpel

 

Scalpel is a small instrument but comprises extremely sharp blades which enable surgeons to make cuts or incisions in the body. The medical practitioners use two kinds of scalpels - reusable and disposable and various kinds of blades. 10 Blade scalpels are used for laparotomy, 11 Blade scalpels make accurate incisions and 15 Blade scalpels can make finer incisions.

 

Cannula

 

Cannula is a commonly used medical instrument and is a tube which is inserted in the body. The main purpose of cannula is to administer medicines or fluid into the body, especially when the patient is unable to take them orally. Healthcare workers insert the annual into the vein with the aid of the needle. Upon the successful insertion of the cannula, the needle is removed. 

 

Surgical instruments come in various shapes and sizes and help surgeons and doctors to perform their tasks smoothly. But apart from the care and maintenance of surgical instruments, it is also important to purchase high quality equipment. You can either choose to purchase from a physical store or reputed online mediums like SMB where medical equipment like crepe bandage, sutures etc. are available at affordable prices.