The 10 Common Surgical Scissors and Their Functions
Published: 1/17/2025
Surgical scissors are vital tools in the operating room, essential for cutting and dissecting tissues with precision. These scissors come in various types, designed to suit specific surgical tasks, ensuring better outcomes for patients and efficiency for surgeons. Below, we explore 10 of the most commonly used types of surgical scissors and their functions.
Surgical Scissors Types and Functions
1. Mayo Scissors
Mayo scissors are available in both straight and curved designs and are versatile tools for different types of tissue cutting.
- Straight-bladed Mayo scissors: These scissors have flat, straight blades that are ideal for cutting near the surface of a wound, such as when cutting sutures.
- Curved-bladed Mayo scissors: Featuring a curved blade, they are used to cut through thicker tissues like muscle and mammary glands. Their design allows for deep penetration, making them perfect for surgical dissection. Some Mayo scissors also come with a blunt tip for blunt dissection, minimizing tissue damage.
2. Metzenbaum Scissors
Metzenbaum scissors are designed for cutting delicate tissues with precision. They are characterized by long handles and relatively short blades.
- Function: These scissors are frequently used in cardiothoracic, gynecological, and urological surgeries. The long shanks and blunt tips make them suitable for working in confined spaces and for cutting soft tissue without causing damage.
3. Stitch Removal Scissors
Also known as suture removal scissors, these instruments are designed specifically for the task of removing sutures without harming the underlying tissue.
- Design: One blade of these scissors is hooked to gently lift the suture while the other has a serrated edge for gripping. They allow for precise removal with minimal discomfort to the patient.
4. Pott’s Scissors
Pott's scissors are fine, sharp scissors designed for use in cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries. They are typically angled at 25, 45, or 60 degrees to facilitate precise cuts in deep or tight areas.
- Function: Their fine tips and angled design make them perfect for delicate surgical tasks, such as incisions in the heart or lungs. The sharpness ensures clean cuts with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues.
5. Iris Scissors
Named after the delicate nature of the iris in the eye, Iris scissors are small, fine scissors used for very precise cutting.
- Function: Initially designed for ophthalmic procedures, they are now also used for other fine dissections. These scissors are ideal for cutting fine sutures and performing small, delicate incisions in a variety of surgeries.
6. Bandage Scissors
Bandage scissors are primarily used for cutting dressings, clothing, or bandages without causing injury to the skin.
- Design: They have a blunt tip on one side to prevent accidental puncture of the skin while the sharp blade on the other side cuts through materials like gauze or fabric. These scissors are widely used in wound care and first aid.
7. Wire-Cutting Scissors
These scissors are specifically designed for cutting wires during orthopedic procedures.
- Design: They feature strong, thicker blades that are capable of cutting through tough wire materials. Some models come with serrated edges for better grip and precision, ensuring that the wire is cut cleanly without damaging nearby tissues.
8. Stitch Scissors
Stitch scissors (also referred to as suture scissors) are used for both placing and cutting sutures during surgery.
- Design: One of their tips is pointed, while the other is blunt. The pointed end is used for inserting sutures, and the blunt end is used for cutting them. These scissors are especially useful for post-operative care.
9. Tenotomy Scissors
Tenotomy scissors are specialized instruments used for precise tendon cutting, particularly in orthopedic surgeries.
- Design: They have long, thin blades with a tapered end that allows them to access deep tissues. Their slender design helps in making controlled cuts in tight spaces, particularly when performing tendon procedures or other delicate tasks.
10. Dissecting Scissors
Dissecting scissors, also known as tissue dissectors, are used to carefully separate or dissect tissues.
- Design: These scissors usually range from 8.5 to 12.5 cm in length and come with either blunt or sharp tips. The sharp tips are used for cutting, while the blunt tips are used for separating tissues. They are versatile and widely used in procedures where delicate tissue separation is required.
Conclusion:
Surgical scissors are indispensable in modern surgery, each designed to serve a specific purpose. From delicate procedures like ophthalmic surgeries to tough orthopedic tasks, the variety of scissors ensures precision and minimizes trauma during surgery. Whether you need scissors for cutting sutures, delicate tissues, or even wire, there is a specialized type available to meet the demands of the procedure. When choosing the right scissors, it is important to consider factors such as the type of tissue, the surgical area, and the precision required.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are Mayo scissors used for?
Mayo scissors are used for cutting tissues near the surface (straight blade) or deeper, thicker tissues (curved blade), and are often employed for cutting sutures.
2. Can Metzenbaum scissors be used for orthopedic surgeries?
Yes, while Metzenbaum scissors are most commonly used for delicate soft tissue dissection, they can be used in orthopedic surgeries that require fine dissection, especially when dealing with muscles and soft tissues.
3. How do Bandage scissors prevent injury?
Bandage scissors have one blunt tip that slides under the bandage or clothing, preventing injury to the skin when cutting, while the sharp edge cuts through the material.
4. What is the difference between Stitch removal scissors and Stitch scissors?
Stitch removal scissors are designed specifically for removing sutures after a procedure, while Stitch scissors (or suture scissors) are used during the surgery to insert and cut the sutures.
For more details on surgical scissors, please visit Artema Medical.
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1/16/2025
Key Features that Make a Hospital Bed Mattress Ideal
A high-quality hospital bed mattress is essential for patient comfort and recovery. It plays a crucial role in addressing issues like body pain, sleep disturbances, and the development of bed sores.
In the 1990s, there was a growing focus on developing specialized hospital beds with mattresses designed to improve sanitary and hygienic conditions. Over time, studies showed that the material and design of a hospital bed mattress significantly impact patient health, particularly for those facing complications like pressure sores, back pain, and joint pain. Whether it's a latex mattress, medical bed mattress, or moltyfoam mattress, selecting the right mattress is critical to patient care. Below are the key features that make a hospital bed mattress ideal:
Key Features Of Bed Mattress:
1. Motion Isolation
A quality hospital mattress should minimize the transfer of movement. This prevents unnecessary disturbances during sleep, which can be especially important for patients with chronic pain or sleep issues. A mattress that absorbs motion helps ensure that the patient’s sleep is undisturbed, aiding in their recovery.
2. Edge Support
Good edge support is vital, especially for patients with mobility issues. It helps prevent falls and supports the patient’s posture when transferring in and out of bed. A mattress with inadequate edge support can lead to poor alignment and discomfort, increasing the risk of slips or injury.
3. Pressure Relief
A mattress designed to relieve pressure points is essential for preventing or alleviating bedsores. By evenly distributing the patient's body weight, the mattress helps maintain healthy blood circulation, preventing pressure ulcers and enhancing comfort during prolonged periods of rest.
4. Responsiveness
A mattress’s responsiveness should match the patient's specific needs. For patients with mobility impairments, a mattress with minimal responsiveness (firmness) is ideal, as it provides more support. However, patients who need to adjust their position frequently will benefit from a mattress that responds quickly and adjusts to body movements.
5. Breathability
Hospital bed mattresses should be breathable to prevent heat buildup. Ventilation channels and air spaces within the mattress help moisture escape, ensuring that heat and sweat do not accumulate. This feature promotes better blood circulation and reduces the risk of skin irritations.
6. Resolve Body Pain
A mattress with proper pressure relief points and edge support can reduce body pain. By improving blood flow and distributing weight evenly, it alleviates discomfort and promotes healing. This feature is particularly important for patients experiencing chronic pain or recovering from surgery.
7. Material
The material of the mattress plays a significant role in its comfort and support. Many hospital bed mattresses are made of polyurethane, a synthetic material that is adaptable and offers a range of firmness levels. The material should quickly adapt to the body shape, providing optimal support and comfort.
8. Acoustically Friendly
A good-quality medical bed mattress should be soundproof. This feature enhances patient comfort, ensuring a quiet environment that supports a restful sleep, which is vital for recovery.
9. Durability
A hospital bed mattress should be durable enough to maintain its shape and support over time. It should not sag or lose its firmness after extended use, ensuring that the patient continues to receive comfort and proper support throughout their recovery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a high-quality hospital bed mattress is essential for patient recovery and comfort. Features like motion isolation, edge support, pressure relief, and breathability contribute to reducing body pain, preventing sleep disturbances, and addressing issues like bedsores. When purchasing a hospital bed mattress, it is crucial to consider these features to ensure long-lasting comfort and health benefits for the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the number one mattress in the world?
There isn't a definitive answer, as the best mattress depends on individual preferences and needs.
Which type of mattress is good for your health?
Research suggests that memory foam mattresses are particularly beneficial for health due to their pressure-relieving properties.
Which mattress is good for back pain?
A moltyfoam mattress is highly recommended for back pain due to its support and pressure relief features.
Which mattress is more expensive, latex or moltyfoam?
Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than moltyfoam mattresses, primarily due to the material and manufacturing processes involved.
For more information, please visit Artema Medical.
1/21/2025
Why Surgical Orthopedics is Constantly Evolving: Key Reasons and Insights
In the past, the term 'orthopedics' was used for treating childhood deformities, but several key events in the 18th and 19th centuries transformed it into what it is today. In addition, the development of anesthesia and the advent of hip surgery in the 1900s marked milestones in surgical orthopedics, proving it to be one of the most successful innovations in modern surgery. However, it is still evolving, with new tools and techniques such as minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and 3D printing for implants.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), orthopedics is defined as,
“The branch of medicine focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. It includes surgical and nonsurgical treatments for fractures, arthritis, spine disorders, and sports injuries.”
There are several reasons associated with its continuous evolution, and people are always interested in learning more about the scope and advancements in this field. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common reasons for the constant evolution of surgical orthopedics.
Increase in Musculoskeletal Deformities:
The reasons differ significantly due to discrimination in the standard of life in different regions. We will discuss them one by one, considering the most and least-developed countries in the world.
Aging:
Orthopedic disorders are somehow related to a person's age. The younger you are, the healthier your bones. With age, the hormones controlling bone-forming and dissolving cells start decreasing in both men and women, resulting in disorders like osteoporosis and arthritis. The bones start degenerating, becoming soft and porous, leading to a greater risk of bone disorders, even with a slight infection. In highly developed countries, better living conditions result in an increased life span, which increases bone problems and the likelihood of disorders.
Role of vehicles:
In this modern world of technology, people usually don't like to use public transport and always want to have their cars. It increases the rush of vehicles on the road, resulting in more chances of accidents. On the other hand, people of the elite class are in pursuit of luxury and high-speed cars, leading to more severe accidents resulting in broken and dislocated bones.
Hygienic conditions:
A healthy and clean environment can protect us from several infectious diseases. Unfortunately, these health conditions are not followed in the least developed countries, where infections develop more readily. These infections may be related to bones or may lead to bone problems.
Role of nutritional foods:
Bone cells continuously degenerate and form in our body. A constant supply of nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D, is required for maintenance. Any scarcity of these nutrients will disrupt this balance, weakening bones and leading to severe disorders such as osteomalacia and rickets. In least-developed countries, the need for these nutrients is not fulfilled due to a lack of a proper diet.
Road safety measures:
People are always in a rush in this modern age. They show carelessness and do not follow traffic rules, leading to accidents. In least-developed countries, poorly constructed, slippery, and damp roads cause these accidents, while in highly developed countries, the reason is the trend of fast-moving cars.
Variations in the Manufacturing Process:
Orthopedic surgical instruments are specialized instruments manufactured to deal with skeletal system deformities. Due to many reasons mentioned above, the number of orthopedic patients has tremendously increased in hospitals, increasing the demand for their innovation worldwide. Nowadays, a variety of modern orthopedic instruments are available on the market. This variation is based upon:
- Design: Biomedical scientists develop the design on demand or through their research. Every particular disorder demands a different instrument.
- Size: It can vary from small to large depending upon the type and location of the deformity.
- Features: Every instrument has its particular features. Based on this, they can be either unfunctional or multifunctional.
- Cost: They are costly, but the cost of an orthopedic instrument entirely depends on the quality required by the healthcare institution.
Increase in Demand for Innovative Designs:
The chances and severity of accidents are increasing with living standards. Every day, a new case demands an increase in the features of an orthopedic surgical instrument. This demand is fulfilled by biomedical scientists and companies working tirelessly to innovate new designs for a timely diagnosis. Hospitals can contact for on-demand manufacturing of orthopedic instruments. The standard features of an orthopedic instrument are:
- Good quality
- Affordable
- Efficient
- Multiple-use
Conclusion:
All of these reasons prove that surgical orthopedics is a constantly evolving field. It is influenced by increasing living standards, negligence, and unhygienic lifestyles and will continue to grow quickly with new technologies and medical research. Despite these advances and changes, the significance of this field will remain the same.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is surgical orthopedics essential?
Surgical Orthopedics is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Which is the most common orthopedic device?
Standard orthopedic devices may include but are not limited to, screws, implants, and fixation plates.
What is the current market rate for orthopedic instruments?
The market rate for orthopedic surgical instruments may cost from $100 to a few thousand Dollars.
Please visit our website, Artema Medical, for more information.
1/20/2025
Surgical Orthopedics VS. Non-surgical Orthopedics
Surgical orthopedics became a separate medical specialty about 50 years ago; before that, it was under the division of general surgery. Its demand has increased tremendously in the last 30 years because of changes in life expectancy, demographic profile, rapid urbanization, and mobility. Let's first understand what orthopedics is. As defined by Mark D. Miller,
"A medical specialty concerned with correction and prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures."
Now, orthopedics has evolved into an advanced specialty with two different approaches: Surgical and non-surgical orthopedics. It plays a critical role in modern healthcare by addressing issues that are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Let's compare these approaches to understand their importance better.
How do we define surgical and non-surgical orthopedics?
Surgical orthopedics is a field of surgery that deals with deformities related to the musculoskeletal system. It is the treatment and diagnosis of muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints using specialized orthopedic surgical instruments and body procedures.
Non-surgical orthopedics is a non-surgical field that deals with the support and maintenance of the musculoskeletal system. It involves the treatment of pain, immobility, and instability in muscles and bones through medications and therapies.
What are their subspecialties?
Surgical orthopedics
General orthopedics
Podiatry
Spinal surgery
Trauma surgery
Sports Injury
Osseointegration
Pediatric orthopedics
Orthopedic oncology
Joint replacement
Non-surgical orthopedics
Laser Therapy
Chiropractic Care
Physical therapy
Regenerative Medicine
Orthotics
Braces and Casting
Off-Loading
Plasma therapy
Steroid Injection
What sort of instruments are used?
Orthopedic surgical instruments differ significantly in design. They may be simple, small, complex, large, straight, pointed, curved, fine, serrated, long, short, etc.
Examples:
Finger ring saw
Reposition forceps long
Bone rongeur curved
Osteotome curved
Non-surgical Orthopedic instruments show little variation in design and are developed through a combination of information technology and biomedical sciences. They are usually larger and lighter compared to surgical instruments.
Examples:
Braces
Lasers
Stimulator.
What are their key functions?
Surgical:
Replacement of a missing or infected bone using healthy bone from the body, known as bone grafting.
Fracture Fixation by using open surgical treatments.
Joint relocations either through retractions or surgical operations.
Joint diagnosis using an arthroscope, a unique instrument with a video camera at its tip for visualization.
Spinal fusion involves joining one or more vertebrae to deal with spinal injuries or pain.
Joint replacement, in which a defaulted joint is removed and replaced by an artificial one.
Osseointegration, in which a metal implant is permanently inserted into the body to support bone growth.
Osteotomy, in which an osteotome is used to cut a portion of the bone to reshape and realign it.
Non-surgical:
Acute and chronic pain treatment by using medicines, physical therapies, and injections with a primary focus on back and joint pain.
Regenerative therapy for muscle strength. This therapy injects a unique combination of biochemical agents that boost the body's natural regenerative mechanisms.
Stem cell therapy and plasma-rich injections to treat sports injuries without surgical treatment.
MRI is a radiographic study that does not use harmful radiation to diagnose musculoskeletal problems.
A Spinal cord stimulator relieves pain by slowly inducing a low level of electricity directly into the spine.
What are the Pros and Cons of orthopedic treatments?
Surgical orthopedics
Pros:
Offers definitive solutions for severe conditions like fractures and joint replacements.
Ensures long-term results in most cases.
Cons:
Higher risk due to potential complications such as infections, scars, and bleeding.
More expensive due to advanced instrumentation.
Longer recovery periods.
Non-surgical orthopedics
Pros:
Less risky as it preserves the body’s natural anatomy.
Faster treatment duration, typically completed in minutes or hours.
More cost-effective compared to surgery.
Generally painless, as procedures are external or minimally invasive.
Cons:
Less reliable for advanced or irreversible conditions.
Limited in scope for treating severe deformities or injuries.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, surgical orthopedics is critical for immediate and visible outcomes, such as replacing joints and fixing fractures, often at lower costs. Conversely, non-surgical orthopedics emphasizes long-term treatment, such as pain management and muscle strengthening, typically at a higher cost. Both fields have their specialties; the choice of treatment should be based on the doctor's recommendation and the patient’s affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is non-surgical orthopedics better than surgical ones?
No, both have their pros and cons. The choice depends on the type of disability and the individual’s affordability.
Can I become a non-surgical orthopedist?
Yes, of course, it is a specialized field. You can become a doctor or surgeon in this field.
Are injections effective for back and joint pain treatment?
Yes, injections are highly effective, but one should choose a good-quality injection for better results.
Please visit our website, Artema Medical, for more information.
1/15/2025
Diving into the Versatility of Surgical Forceps
Surgical forceps are a common instrument used across all fields of surgery. Derived from a Latin word meaning "a pair of tongs and pincers," they go by different names and come in various types. This blog will explore the different types of forceps, their uses, and their design.
Selection of Appropriate Surgical Forceps
A wide variety of surgical forceps are available on the market, making it challenging for surgeons to choose the right one. Here are some helpful tips for selecting a pair of forceps:
- Ceramic-tipped forceps are ideal if you are concerned about heat and corrosion resistance.
- For a clearer view, always opt for slightly or fully curved tips rather than straight ones.
- Reverse forceps automatically close on their own, and you need to squeeze them to open.
Types of Surgical Forceps
Surgical forceps fall under the category of "grasping and holding" instruments. Broadly, they are divided into two categories:
1. Ring Forceps
Other Names: Hemostats, hemostatic forceps, locking forceps
These forceps feature a locking mechanism and are used to hold or grasp objects or apply traction during surgical procedures. They are hinged and resemble ring scissors. The locking mechanism, known as a ratchet, allows for clamping and ensures the jaws come together in incremental steps. Hemostatic forceps with locking mechanisms are commonly referred to as clamps and are used to hold tissues securely. When used to control blood flow, they are known as hemostats.
Primary Uses of Hemostats:
- Reducing or stopping the flow of blood or fluids.
- Compressing blood vessels.
Common Types of Ring Forceps:
- Kelly Hemostats: Used for clamping large vessels or grasping tissues. Their tips feature short serrations.
- Rochester Hemostats: Similar to Rochester forceps, but they can reach a bit deeper.
- Hartman Mosquito Forceps: Short, fine forceps with serrated jaws.
- Hartman Mosquito Hemostats: Used for delicate procedures, such as clamping small vessels and holding fine sutures.
- Halstead Mosquito Forceps: A longer and lighter version of mosquito forceps.
- Allis Tissue Forceps: Used for tissue removal, with sharp teeth for gripping.
- Crile Hemostats: Similar to Halstead mosquito forceps, but larger in size.
- Rochester-Oschner Forceps: Designed for handling large vessels and tissues. These forceps are heavier than other hemostats and may feature a tooth at their tip.
- Rochester-Carmalt Forceps: Known as "Stars and Stripes" hemostats. These are large and used for clamping blood vessels and tissues. They have longitudinal serrations along the length of the blade, with cross-hatching at the tip.
- Rochester-Pean Hemostatic Forceps: Feature horizontal serrations and are used for clamping larger tissues and vessels.
2. Thumb Forceps
Other Names: Tweezers, pining forceps
These forceps are operated by applying pressure between the thumb and forefinger, with no locking mechanism. They are primarily used for grasping or manipulating tissues. Thumb forceps are categorized into two types:
- Dressing Forceps: Used for dressing wounds and removing the dressing from them. They have serrated tips for securely holding sensitive tissues.
- Tissue Forceps: Known for having teeth at their tips, providing a better grip on tissues and minimizing tissue damage. The most common type is rat-tooth forceps (with a pattern of 1x2 teeth). Other examples include Adson-Brown forceps, which have a pattern of 9x9 teeth.
Common Types of Thumb Forceps:
- Adson Tissue Forceps: Designed for holding sensitive tissues with 1x2 teeth.
- Bonn Tissue Forceps: Used for delicate tissues and assisting with tying sutures.
- Foerster Tissue Forceps: Used for handling sensitive tissues. They feature a keyhole in the handle for a better grip, particularly when wearing gloves. They offer a strong grip with minimal tissue damage.
- Iris Forceps: Used in ophthalmology, these forceps are serrated and have 1x2 teeth.
- Graefe Forceps: Also used in ophthalmology, these forceps have a row of 6 or 8 small teeth arranged horizontally for grasping tissues.
Conclusion
Surgical forceps are essential instruments in almost every surgical procedure. Available in various shapes, sizes, and designs, they are used for grasping and manipulating tissues and objects during surgery. Surgical forceps ensure precision, and safety, and contribute significantly to the success of a surgical operation.
For more information, visit Artema Med.