TENACULUM Forceps

      A tenaculum is a surgical instrument which is used to grasp and hold tissues. The tenaculum is a form of locking forceps, designed to hold itself in place once it has been locked, and it can be used to hold tissues steady for surgical procedures, to hold tissues out of the way, or to grasp tissues for the purpose of manipulating them. Many companies which manufacture surgical instruments produce tenaculum forceps in a variety of styles for various uses.

This surgical instrument dates to at least the 1600s, with the name for the instrument coming from a Latin root which means “to hold,” the same root involved in words like “tenacious.” The tenaculum consists of long, narrow handles attached to hooks. The hooks can be anchored in the tissue being examined, with the medical provider locking the handles once the desired position has been obtained.

One of the most common uses of the tenaculum is in procedures when it is necessary to stabilize the cervix in order to see or perform a procedure. A cervical tenaculum may be made from plastic, designed to be single use for one patient only, or from stainless steel, in which case it can be sterilized and reused. Tenaculum forceps are also used in other types of surgical procedures.

Like other surgical instruments, the tenaculum can seem slightly barbaric in action, but the patient will not feel it when it is placed as long as he or she is under general anesthesia. In cases where the patient is awake, as for certain gynecological procedures, local anesthetics may be injected so that the patient cannot feel the placement and removal of the instrument. The patient is also usually given a medication which promotes relaxation so that he or she will feel more comfortable during the procedure.

Learning to use surgical instruments appropriately takes time. During the course of surgical training, doctors learn about the different instruments available to them, the uses recommended for various instruments, and the techniques which should be used to handle them. Although patients cannot feel instruments during surgery, poor instrument choice or use can complicate matters for the patient by inadvertently causing damage to the tissues, which can increase healing time or increase the risk of infection. Surgeons also tend to develop their own instrument technique over the course of their careers, developing various tricks and methods which facilitate their work in the operating room.

ALLIS Tissue Forcep

Allis Tissue Forcep

Forceps are hinged, handheld medical instruments used to grasp or hold objects. Using the principle of levers, forceps can seize an object and apply pressure. Allis forceps have inward-curving blades and a ratcheted handle. This design makes it ideal to grab fascia and tendons.

Fascia is a sheet or band of connective tissue, or fibrous tissue, which surrounds the organs, blood vessels, muscles, bones and nerves. It is an uninterrupted web to maintain structure, provide support and act as a shock absorber. The fascia is also the body’s second line of defense against infection.

A tendon is another type of fibrous connective tissue. Its main purpose is to connect the muscle to the bones. This connection allows for the muscles and the tendons to work together to exert a force so the body can move.

Allis forceps come in variety of shapes and sizes. There are even one-piece and modular styles available. The shape, size and type of blade depends on the nature of the medical procedure. Most Allis forceps are made of high-grade steel that can withstand repeat sterilization techniques for multiple uses.

Allis forceps come in sizes typically ranging from delicate, or just over five inches (12.7 cm), to ten inches (25.4 cm). The size of the blades and teeth can also vary. This variation in sizes allows the Allis forceps to be used in a many different surgical procedures.

There are two types of forceps. Non-locking forceps can come with a hinge at one end, similar to a pair or tweezers, or hinged in the middle, similar to a pair of scissors. Locking forceps can be hinged in the middle or close to the grasping end. These forceps are used when the surface to be grasped needs to be locked into position.

Allis forceps are typically designed with serrated jaws or blades. These non-traumatic teeth-like structures allow the tissue to be firmly held without damage. It also allows for the tissueto be retracted, or moved. Retraction of the fascia is often necessary when attempting surgical procedures on the internal organs. It allows for an unobstructed view, and permits clear access to the underlying structures.

Allis forceps give surgeons the freedom to access internal organs and structures with minimal damage to the overlying tissues. These forceps can grasp, hold, move or lock atissue into a specific position so the surgeon can concentrate on the area requiring the surgical procedure. The locking and non-locking options give surgeons more options and flexibility.

SPONGE Forceps

Sponge forceps, also known as sponge holding forceps, are used for holding swabs or sponges in medical procedures. Normally, they are constructed in a scissor shape, with ratcheted handles and looped, smooth or serrated jaws. A sponge forceps may be curved or straight depending on its specific purpose.

Typically, sponge holding forceps are seven to nine inches (about 18 to 23 centimeters) in length. The jaws themselves are normally rounded. Elongated tips may be included for delicate operations. Medical sponge forceps allow minor surgical operations to be performed without excessive trauma or damage.

Many doctors prefer to use these forceps because they help minimize damage during surgery. Sponge forceps enable a physician to hold and move tissue very precisely and gently. They are also helpful in preventing trauma.

The most common medical area to utilize sponge forceps is gynecology. They are often used in surgical female sterilization procedures, such as the insertion of an intrauterine device. In such cases, curved forceps are generally recommended. During an abortion, they may be used in holding the cervix and uterus in place, as well as for cervical inspections and tissue removal following the operation.

Non-surgical procedures can also require a sponge holding forceps. During an examination, a doctor may use them to hold back the cervix or bladder. Sponge forceps can be used as a clamp to stop bleeding, as well as a divider to separate membranes that are stuck together. Vaginal tears and cervical examinations can also be aided by sponge forceps during a postpartum checkup.

A medical process called a Vaginal Uterine Artery Ligation may also require sponge forceps. This measure is used to help lower the risk of hysterectomy following a birth. It also aids in preventing blood loss. Sponge forceps can additionally be used in applying onlay grafts for inguinal hernia repairs, as well as in removing polyps.

The use of sponge holding forceps is not limited to gynecology. They can also be useful in holding cotton balls during colposcopy procedures. They may be used to treat abrasions as tonsil wipes. Grasping gauzes, sponges, and other sensitive materials is another of their many uses.

Surgeons can use these forceps during lung surgeries such as bullectomies. Their blunt tips enable surgeons to both hold and collapse the lungs, as well as to gently move lung tissue in order to fully investigate the area. In such operations, they are considered standard thoracic instruments.