The 10 Common Surgical Scissors and Their Functions

They are available in a wide range to cater to different surgical specialties.

Surgical scissors are fundamental surgical instruments used for cutting and dissecting tissues during operations. They are available in a wide range to cater to different surgical specialties. Their design and quality contribute significantly to the success of an operation. They have various types depending on their size, material, functionality, and design. Here in this blog, we will discuss only 10 of the most commonly used types of surgical scissors and their functions.

Mayo scissors: Mayo scissors are of various types depending upon their function and the design of their blades.
- Straight-bladed mayo scissors: Their blades are flat and straight and are used to cut body tissues near the surface of a wound. They are also referred to as surgical suture scissors, as they are used for cutting sutures.
- Curved-bladed Mayo scissors: They have a curved blade that allows deep penetration into the wound. They are usually used to cut thick tissues found in muscles and mammary glands. Some mayo scissors are designed with a closed, blunt end that only opens when they are placed inside tissue. This is known as blunt dissection.
Metzenbaum scissors:

They are used for cutting delicate tissues. They have very long shanks as compared to the blade and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Their blades can be curved or straight, but their tips are blunt. They are made of high- quality stainless steel for corrosion resistance. Some of them are also made of tungsten carbide inserts. They are commonly used in the fields of cardiothoracic, gynecology, and urology.
Stitch removal scissors:

They are also known as suture removal scissors, and they are used to remove sutures after the operation. They are carefully designed to perform their function without causing any harm to the neighboring soft tissues. The two blades of these scissors are different; one is hooked-shaped, and the other is slightly serrated.
Pott’s Scissors:

They are very fine and sharp and are used to make incisions for cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Their blades are typically angled at 25, 45, or 60 degrees. They may be straight or curved. They are made of stainless steel for durability and sharpness.
Iris scissors:

They are used for fine dissections and for cutting fine sutures. They were formerly used for ophthalmic procedures, but now they are also used for other surgical procedures. Their blades are extremely sharp or may be straight or curved. Their size typically ranges from 4 to 5 inches. They are made of high-quality stainless steel, and some versions are made of tungsten carbide for better performance.
Bandage scissors:

They are also known as utility scissors with two different tips: one is blunt and the other is sharp. The sharp one is used for cutting dressings or clothing close to the skin without causing any damage to other parts, and the blunt one prevents injury and wound puncture. They are commonly used for wound care and as first aid.
Wire-cutting scissors:

They have sturdy blades with a cutting edge that helps cut wires without damaging soft tissues. They are usually used for orthopedic procedures. Their blades are thicker and longer than compared to regular surgical blades for cutting wires through tough materials. Some of them have serrated edges for better grip.
Stitch scissors:

They are also known as suture scissors and are different from stitch-removal scissors. They have small blades with sharp tips. They cut and place sutures during surgical procedures. Both tips of their blades are different from each other; one tip is pointed while the other is blunt. They are specially designed for post-operative care and wound healing.
Tenotomy Scissors:

They have long handles, and the blades are very thin with a tapered end. They can cut tissues deep in limited spaces. They are also used for orthopedic procedures that involve cutting tendons in a precise and controlled way. They make small cuts and are made for delicate operations. The long handles help in making incisions in restricted places.
Dissecting scissors:

They are also known as tissue dissectors and are used to cut or separate delicate tissues of the body. They are usually 8.5 to 12.5 cm long. Their tips come in a variety of shapes, like straight, curved, etc. They are available with both blunt and sharp tips. Sharp tips are used for cutting, while blunt tips are used for separating tissues.

Conclusion: There are different kinds of surgical scissors that are manufactured by different biomedical companies in the world. They are always designed by taking into consideration the harm and damages caused by sharp blades. Each of them is unique in its function, style, and size. Some consist of two different types of blades for multiple functions. They are easily available in the market. Please visit our website, Artema Medical for more information.