Understanding Mayo Scissors: A Key Instrument in Surgery
Published: 2/21/2025
Surgical scissors are cutting and dissecting instruments with single or double razor-sharp blades used to incise, dissect, or excise body tissues during operations. Surgical scissors' design and functionality contribute significantly to the success of an operation, ensuring precision and control with minimal tissue damage. They have several types depending on their size, material, shape, design, and functionality. For example, Mayo scissors, Bandage scissors, iris scissors, tenotomy scissors, and many others. In this blog, we will understand Mayo scissors in detail.
What are Mayo scissors?
Mayo scissors are named in honor of the Mayo Clinic, due to its significant contributions to medicine and surgery. They are particularly used for the cutting and dissection of body tissues and sutures. They are also known as Surgical Suture scissors. With an ergonomic design and precise functionality, they are strictly limited to cutting only tissues to avoid dulling the blades.
Types of Mayo Scissors:
Mayo scissors are generally available in two main types based on the design of their blades. The blades are always flat, but they may be either straight or curved, and the tips may be kept blunt, sharp, or pointed according to the use.
Straight Mayo Scissors:
Straight mayo scissors are designed with straight blades and are used to cut soft tissues near the wound's surface.
Curved Mayo Scissors:
Curved Mayo scissors are designed with a curved blade and are used for deep penetration into wounds, especially for cutting heavy fibrous tissues. They are also known as heavy tissue scissors and are available in standard and German versions. Some of them feature blunt dissection, which allows the blade to open only when placed inside the tissue.
Design and Structure:
Surgical scissors follow a standard design, but the blades or tips may differ depending on their function.
Tip: It is the terminal part of the blade, which may be either sharp or blunt, depending on the purpose.
Blades: The part between the joint and the tip of the instrument. The blades are of different varieties depending on the use of the scissors.
Joint: The shaft and the blades are kept attached by a joint. For surgical scissors, the joint is known as a pivot joint, as the shafts are attached with screws.
Shaft: It is the part between the ratchet and the joint that provides length to the instrument.
Finger bows: There are two finger bows for holding the instrument properly.
Catch or Ratchet: Ratchet is meant to hold the tissue tightly without slipping.
Material and Composition:
Mayo scissors are generally made of tough stainless steel. Some scissors are provided with tungsten carbide augmentation along their cutting edges, which allows for creating sharper edges for easier and smoother cuts. This keeps the scissors sharp for a longer time without wear and tear.
Handling and Safety:
- Use the extreme ends of the scissors when cutting sutures.
- Inspect the blades for nicks, dents, or burrs for smooth cutting.
- Always check the screw to ensure it is fully tightened to prevent it from dropping into the wound.
- The direction of the tip of the scissors should be downwards.
- Use them only to cut tissues and sutures.
- Place the thumb in one of the finger bows and ring the finger in another.
- Put a middle finger on the catch while the index finger over the length of the shaft.
Caution:
Autoclaving and boiling can damage the sharpness of the scissors, so they should be sterilized by dipping them into concentrated Lysol for more than 1 hour.
Conclusion:
Mayo scissors are indispensable tools in surgical procedures, and they are used for cutting tissues and sutures. They are available in two main types, based on the design of their blades, and the tips may be kept blunt, sharp, or pointed according to the use. Made from stainless steel, often hardened with tungsten carbide, they provide sharpness and reliability. Proper handling and maintenance are essential to preserve their functionality and prevent damage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the function of a Mayo scissor?
Mayo scissors are particularly used for the cutting and dissection of body tissues and sutures.
What is the difference between Mayo scissors and Metzenbaum scissors?
The tips of Metzenbaum scissors are more pointed and tapered than Mayo scissors.
Why mayo scissors are named so?
Mayo scissors are named in honor of the Mayo Clinic, due to its significant contributions to medicine and surgery.
What are the types of mayo scissors?
Mayo scissors are generally available in two main types: straight and curved.
Please visit our website, Artema Medical, for more information.
Recommended Blog Posts
3/26/2025
TC Mayo Hegar Needle Holder: An Essential Surgical Tool
In medicine, surgical procedures are always facilitated by a number of techniques and specialized tools. However, the proper use of these instruments with the surety of safety and stability is the most significant factor in the success of an operation. For this purpose, biomedical engineers have designed special tools such as retractors, needle holders, and clamps.
The needle holders play a central role as they are directly involved in every surgical intervention. They hold needle holders of various sizes and styles, hence making an operation more streamlined and reliable. Various types of needle holders are available in the market. Most of them are known by the names of their inventors. For example, there is the Crile wood needle holder, the Mayo Hegar needle holder, the Olsen Hegar needle holder, and the Gillie’s needle holder.
The TC Mayo Hegar needle holder is especially important due to its ergonomic design and multiple functionalities. This surgical needle holder is named after three scientists: William J. Mayo, Charles Horace Mayo of the Mayo Clinic, and Carl Hans Hegar. It is extensively used to grasp heavy needles and is famous for its strength due to Tungsten Carbide incorporation. In this blog, we will understand its design and functionality.
Design of TC Mayo-Hegar Needle Holder
The design of a May Hegar needle holder is the same as that of a holding and grasping surgical tool. It consists of the following parts.
Jaws: The jaws of a Mayo Hegar needle holder can be of several designs. They can be straight, curved, narrow, notched, or smooth. A special gold-colored version, known as a TC needle holder, is also available. The jaws are always positioned distilled to the fulcrum.
Handles: The handles may be straight or curved. Some have finger rings and a locking mechanism for a secure grip.
Ratchet Mechanism: The ratchet mechanism is the locking system that enables the surgeon to hold the needles securely when locked. The Mayo Hegar needle holder features three interlocking teeth.
Teeth: Teeth are especially important as their texture and number define the extent of their ability to hold needles. The texture is associated with Tungsten Carbide insertions, while the number may be from 2500 to 16000 per square inch.
Handling of TC Mayo Hegar needle holder
Handling a surgical needle holder is always difficult, as the nature of a needle is sensitive while that of the holder is strong. Sometimes, surgeons face challenges in grasping the needle while maintaining its structure intact by using the wrong method. The following points should be considered before using a Mayo Hegar needle holder.
- Palming should be used if the surgeon wants to rotate the holder. It is a standard method in which the fingers do not enter the holes of the handles, allowing easy rotation.
- The distal portions of the thumb and ring fingers should be in the holes to facilitate opening the ratchet and handling the jaws.
- For minimal speed loss during medical practice, a surgeon should use a hybrid technique. In this method, the surgeon palms the needle holder instrument during the throw and momentarily places their fingertips into the holes to help open the jaws and reload the needle.
It has long been debated whether the most effective grip technique for the needle holder instrument or whether there is a single best grip. It is common practice for surgeons to change the methods during practice, eliminating the need to stick to one grip.
Conclusion:
The role of the TC Mayo-Hegar needle holder is paramount in surgical procedures. It ensures needle security, stability, and ease of handling. Its ergonomic design allows surgeons to grasp needles and perform suturing with confidence. While different holding techniques exist, the key is to use the method that best aligns with the surgeon’s skills and the operation requirement. With proper handling and technique, the Mayo-Hegar needle holder makes procedures more efficient and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the use of the TC Mayo Hegar needle holder?
They are extensively used to grasp or hold heavy needles.
What is the difference between Crile Wood and Mayo Hegar needle holders?
Crile-Wood needle holders are similar to Mayo-Hegar needle holders, but the tip is more delicate and refined.
What is the ratchet mechanism?
The ratchet mechanism is the locking system that enables the surgeon to hold the needles securely when locked.
Please visit our website, Artema Medical, for more information.
2/24/2025
Understanding Hemostatic Forceps: Design, Types, and Uses in Surgery
Surgical forceps are medical instruments with a historic legacy. The word forceps is derived from the Latin word "Etimos," meaning a pair of pincers or tweezers. To date, 700 different types and shapes of forceps have been discovered. Forceps play a significant role in facilitating surgical operations by cutting, dissecting, and retracting soft or dense tissues. Forceps are mostly named after the scientists who discovered them or based on their functionality. For example, Adson forceps, Debakey forceps, Tissue forceps, Hemostatic forceps, etc.
Types of surgical forceps:
Based on the availability of a locking mechanism, forceps are divided into two major categories:
Hemostatic forceps:
A locking or ratchet mechanism is present in these forceps, commonly referred to as hemostats, ring forceps, or locking forceps.
Thumb forceps:
They lack a locking mechanism and are also known as tweezers or pinning forceps.
What are Hemostatic Forceps?
The word hemostat is derived from two Greek words: hemo means blood, and stat means to slow down or to stop. Hemostatic forceps are the type of forceps that are used to hold or stop the flow of blood or other body fluids for surgical treatments.
Other names:
- Clamps.
- Hemostats.
- Ring Forceps.
- Locking Forceps.
Design and structure:
- Jaws: Jaws help in holding tissues and blood vessels. The shape may vary depending on the function, such as straight, curved, or with teeth.
- Shank: The shank is the elongated portion that connects the jaws to the handle.
- Ratchet: A locking mechanism designed to hold the instrument in a closed or partially closed position. It ensures a firm hold during long procedures.
- Handles: The part of the instrument that is used to hold it usually features finger holes or rings for better control.
- Finger Rings/Thumb Rings: The finger ring allows the surgeons to insert their fingers, usually the thumb and index finger, into the forceps for a secure grip and stability during use.
Uses in surgery:
- To hold or grasp objects for traction.
- To restrict blood flow by clamping vessels.
- To compress the blood vessels.
- To load surgical ties for blood vessel ligation.
- To minimize trauma or to retract skin ellipses.
- To perform a nail avulsion.
- To widen the lumen.
- To bluntly dissect a tract in the cutaneous tissue.
Types of Hemostatic Forceps:
Kelly Hemostatic forceps:
They are ergonomically designed with short serrations at their tips and are primarily used for clamping large vessels or heavy tissues.
Rochester Hemostats:
They look similar to Kelly forceps but are wider and have teeth on their tips to apply more pressure and reach out to deeper areas.
Mosquito forceps:
They have short tips used to clamp smaller vessels. Generally available in three types:
- Hartman Mosquito Forceps: They are short in length, sharp and fine, and have serrated jaws.
- Hartman Mosquito Hemostats: They are designed to clamp small and very fine blood vessels or sutures.
- Halstead Mosquito Forceps: They are similar to Hartman Mosquito Forceps but are longer and lighter in weight.
Allis Tissue Forceps:
These forceps are designed for tissue removal and have sharp teeth with a strong grip. They are the preferred choice for delicate procedures to protect healthy cells from damage.
Crile Hemostats:
They are similar in shape to Halsted Mosquito forceps but are larger.
Rochester-Oschner Forceps:
Heavier in weight with serrations and a tooth at their tip, these forceps are designed to deal with large blood vessels and heavy tissues. Also available in two other forms:
- Rochester-Carmalt Forceps: These forceps are the surgeon's first choice to clamp small tissues and blood vessels. They are large with longitudinal serrations and cross-hatching at the tip. Common names may include stars and stripes.
- Rochester-Pean Forceps: Pean forceps are similar in design to Rochester-Carmalt forceps but with horizontal serrations. They are designed to clamp large tissues and vessels.
Conclusion:
Hemostatic forceps, in particular, play a crucial role in controlling bleeding, protecting tissues, and enhancing surgical precision. Their ergonomic design minimizes tissue trauma, allows the clamping of blood vessels, and reduces intraoperative bleeding, which ultimately leads to safer operations and improved recovery for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is meant by hemostatic?
Hemostatic means to hold or stop blood flow.
What are Kelly forceps?
Kelly forceps are used for clamping large vessels or grasping heavy tissues.
What is another name for hemostatic forceps?
Ring forceps, locking forceps, or hemostats.
For what purpose are hemostatic forceps used?
Hemostatic forceps are used to hold or stop the flow of blood or other body fluids for surgical treatments.
Please visit our website, Artema Medical, for more information.
1/14/2025
The Role of Approximator in the Field of Surgery
Approximation plays a critical role in the surgical process, particularly when it comes to bringing the edges of a wound or incision together for proper healing. This process is essential for closing the wound, whether it’s a simple skin incision or a more complex surgical procedure involving bones, muscles, or nerves. One of the challenges surgeons face in this area is achieving accurate alignment of the tissue or bone ends, especially when visibility is limited, or the incision is in a delicate area. To overcome this, specialized surgical instruments, known as approximators, have been developed. These tools are crucial for optimizing wound closure and ensuring the healing process is as effective as possible.
What is an Approximator?
An approximator is a surgical tool used to align or bring together the edges of a wound, incision, or fractured bone. It helps ensure that tissue or bones are correctly positioned before being sealed, either with sutures, staples, or other methods. The tool is used in various surgical procedures, including general surgery, orthopedics, and microsurgery. Its primary purpose is to aid in the accurate alignment of tissues, ensuring proper healing and minimizing complications.
The approximator can be used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Wound closure
- Bone alignment in orthopedic procedures
- Nerve repair and stabilization
- Vascular repairs in microvascular surgery
Common Parts of an Approximator
An approximator is typically made up of several key components that enable it to function effectively:
- Retaining Jaw: The part of the tool that holds the tissue or bone in place, providing stability during the alignment process.
- Piercing Needles: These needles are used to pierce through tissue or bone to help guide the approximator and facilitate proper alignment.
- Axis Bar: The axis bar helps control the motion of the tool and ensures the edges of the incision or wound are precisely aligned.
- Handle: Provides the surgeon with a secure grip, allowing for careful control during the procedure.
- Locking Mechanism: This ensures the approximator remains in place once the desired alignment is achieved, preventing any movement during suturing or other closure methods.
Common Types of Approximators
There are various types of approximators designed for specific surgical needs. Some of the most common include:
Rib Approximators:
- These are specifically designed for use in thoracotomy procedures (surgical opening of the chest). Rib approximators help align and join the edges of rib fractures or the ends of ribs after thoracic surgery. Proper rib alignment is crucial for promoting proper healing and preventing complications such as pneumonia or lung collapse.
Nerve Approximators:
- Used in microsurgery to approximate and stabilize small nerves, particularly during microneurography (the study of nerve function and structure). These approximators allow surgeons to precisely align nerve ends to promote healing after injury or surgical intervention.
Microvascular Approximators:
- These are used in microvascular surgery, where surgeons need to align and join small blood vessels, veins, or arteries. They are critical for procedures such as reattaching severed limbs or repairing vascular structures that are too small for standard instruments.
Advantages of Using an Approximator
- Improved Accuracy: Approximators help achieve precise tissue or bone alignment, which is crucial for effective healing.
- Enhanced Visibility: By stabilizing tissue or bone during surgery, the surgeon gains better visibility and control, especially in small or delicate areas.
- Efficiency: These tools save time during surgery by allowing for quick and accurate approximation of tissues, reducing overall procedure times.
- Minimized Tissue Damage: Approximators help to align tissues with minimal manipulation, reducing the risk of additional trauma during the procedure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the approximator is an essential tool in modern surgery, offering precise alignment for various types of tissues, including skin, nerves, and bones. Its ability to stabilize tissues for optimal healing has revolutionized surgical procedures across multiple specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, and microsurgery. With its various types, the approximator has made surgical repairs more effective, leading to better patient outcomes and quicker recovery times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of an approximator?
An approximator is used to align the edges of wounds, incisions, or fractured bones to ensure proper healing.
What is the use of rib approximators?
Rib approximators are used during thoracotomy procedures to align and join the ends of ribs, promoting proper healing after rib fractures or surgery.
What is the function of the nerve approximator?
The nerve approximator is used in microsurgery to align and stabilize small nerves, particularly during nerve repair or reconstruction procedures.
For more information about surgical instruments like the approximator, visit Artema Medical.
1/14/2025
Understanding Urethral Sounds: A Focus on Guyon Urethral Sound
The urinary system, also known as the renal or urinary tract system, consists of vital organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of body fluids and filtering waste from the bloodstream. When the urinary system malfunctions, it can lead to conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are often caused by bacterial infections or the formation of mineral clumps in the urinary tract.
To diagnose and treat various urological conditions, specialized instruments like urethral sounds are used. These slender, long tools are crucial for exploring, diagnosing, and treating issues within the urethra, including infections, obstructions, and stones. In this blog, we will focus on one specific type of urethral sound: the Guyon Urethral Sound.
What is a Urethral Sound?
A urethral sound is a slender instrument designed to explore and dilate the urethra, helping to diagnose and treat issues such as blockages, infections, and the presence of stones. It is a long, cylindrical instrument often used by urologists and physicians specializing in urinary tract health.
Examples of Urethral Sounds:
- Hegar Urinary Sound: Named after the German gynecologist Friedrich Hegar, this sound is commonly used for dilation and exploring the urethra.
- Guyon Urethral Sound: Named after the French urologist François Guyon, this is the focus of our discussion.
- Filiform Sounds: Developed by French physician Joseph Antoine Filiform, these are very thin sounds used for delicate procedures.
Guyon Urethral Sound: A Closer Look
The Guyon Urethral Instrument is one of the most commonly used urethral sounds due to its precision, small size, and affordability.
Design:
- Shape: The Guyon urethral sound is long, thin, and cylindrical. It is typically made of stainless steel, which ensures durability and ease of sterilization.
- Flexibility: The sound is slightly flexible, which helps in guiding it through the natural curves of the urethra.
- Variety: Guyon sounds come in different diameters and lengths, allowing them to be used on patients of varying sizes and anatomical differences. Some are straight, while others are slightly curved, providing greater flexibility during insertion.
Primary Uses:
- Diagnosing Urethral Infections: The sound is used to help identify infections within the urethra, allowing for the collection of specimens or assisting in the assessment of the infection's extent.
- Mapping Lesions or Obstructions: Urethral sounds are used to detect and map out any lesions, tumors, or blockages within the urethra or bladder.
- Removing Stones: Guyon sounds can help dislodge and remove small stones or mineral clumps that may be blocking the urinary tract.
- Urethral Dilation: The instrument is sometimes used to dilate the urethra, especially in cases of strictures or narrowing of the urethral passage.
How Does It Work?
The Guyon urethral sound is carefully inserted into the patient’s urethra by the physician. It is important that the sound is aligned properly with the natural anatomy of the urethra to minimize discomfort or injury. The physician will assess the level of resistance as the instrument is inserted, and based on this resistance, further steps are taken, such as dilation or removal of obstructions.
Caution and Safety:
Examining the urethra is a delicate procedure that requires caution and precision. When using a urethral sound, the following precautions should be taken:
- Sterilization: Both the instrument and the physician’s hands must be thoroughly sterilized before the procedure to avoid infections.
- Lubrication: A proper lubricant should be used to reduce friction and minimize the risk of injury during insertion.
- Gentleness: The procedure should be carried out gently and patiently to avoid any damage to the urethra, which is a sensitive and delicate area.
- Experienced Hands: Only trained healthcare professionals should perform urethral sounding, as improper handling can lead to significant injury or infection.
Potential Non-Medical Use
Though urethral sounds, including Guyon sounds, are primarily used for medical purposes, they have been used in non-medical settings as well, particularly for sexual stimulation. However, this practice is highly discouraged due to the risk of injury, infection, and other complications. Safe use of medical instruments outside their intended purpose should be avoided.
Conclusion:
Urethral sounds, such as the Guyon urethral instrument, are essential tools in urology for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the urethra and urinary system. They are indispensable for detecting infections, obstructions, and stones, and are often used for urethral dilation in specific medical treatments. However, these instruments require careful handling and proper sterilization to ensure patient safety and prevent complications. If you are considering the use of urethral sounds, always consult a trained healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.
For more information, visit Artema Medical.