Different Types of Surgical Instruments You Need To Know
Surgical instruments are used in a wide range of surgical procedures. Some of the different types of surgical instruments include forceps, scissors, sutures and retractors.
These tools help surgeons in grasping, separating and resection of various tissues and structures during the surgery. They also assist in blood loss control during surgery by clamping the blood vessels and thereby preventing any unnecessary bleeding.
1. Stainless Steel Surgical Instruments
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for surgical instruments because it is easy to clean, corrosion-resistant, and compatible with body fluids. However, it is important to choose a stainless steel that has been heat-treated for durability and to use the right cleaning procedures in order to prolong its life.
Surgical steel, also known as medical grade stainless steel, has a higher concentration of chromium than standard stainless steels. This is to reduce the risk of rust and corrosion. The chromium in the stainless steel creates an oxide bond that forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal.
It is this layer that prevents rust and corrosion from developing on the surface of the instrument. In addition to chromium, surgical steel may contain other elements such as molybdenum and nickel.
In addition to the chromium that forms the passive layer, a passivation process enhances the corrosive resistance of stainless steel. This process involves exposing parts of the instrument to a chemical that removes iron from the surface but leaves the chromium behind.
This passivation process also eliminates any metallic debris or particles that might fall off the surface of the surgical instrument during use, reducing the chances of contamination in the surgical site. In addition, the chromium coating on surgical stainless steel helps to decrease the friction between the instrument and tissue during surgery.
2. Titanium Surgical Instruments
Titanium surgical instruments are used in a variety of procedures. These include endoscopic tools such as scissors and cutters, suturing systems, retractors, and other grasping devices.
These tools are also used for cutting tissue and removing organs. These surgical instruments are made of a wide range of materials, including stainless steel and titanium.
The light weight of these instruments is helpful to decrease hand fatigue, which can help improve a surgeon’s accuracy during procedures. It can also make it easier for a surgeon to handle the instrument during dissection or when performing repetitive tasks.
In addition, titanium surgical instruments are non-magnetic. This makes them ideal for use in MRI machines, which require instruments that are non-reflective and can not attract magnetic fields.
Lastly, titanium surgical instruments are also less likely to break down when corroded. This makes them more resistant to rusting than those made of other materials, which means that they can be used in environments that would normally damage regular stainless steel instruments.
Despite the great benefits that these tools offer, they must be used correctly and thoroughly cleaned before and after each use to avoid transmitting disease or infection. This is particularly important in war zones or natural disasters, where hospital-acquired infections and cross-contamination can be dangerous.
3. Plastic Surgical Instruments
Plastic surgical instruments are used in various types of surgery. They include tools that are used for cutting, grasping, and retracting tissue.
They are also used to remove fluids from the surgical field, such as blood or bile. They also seal small vessels and tissues prior to a cut.
Summary
Surgical scissors come in a wide range of sizes and styles, each one suited to a particular kind of application. The top end of the scale are heavy-duty scissors, which can cut through thick tissue, muscle, and even bone.
These scissors also come with curved blades, which allow you to make clean cuts without damaging the underlying tissue. These are especially useful for microsurgery, where you need to make small and precise cuts in thin tissue.
Like scalpels, forceps also come in a variety of styles and sizes. Some of them have straight tips, which give you more grip and precision. Others have curved tips, which help you see where you’re working.
