Surgical instruments have been around since the dawn of time. A variety of medical tools were developed early on in ancient and medieval times by mere physicians’ ingenuity. In both the Renaissance and post-Renaissance eras, new tools were once again created and designed with the intention to supplement the growing boldness of surgeons and the imperative need to save lives.
Be that as it may, many surgical instruments that are known and utilized today did not come into play until the late 19th century until now. New materials are the root cause of this—as stainless steel, chrome, and titanium all came into the manufacturing picture at this time. Historically, these common tools have been adapted for use in operations and procedures to become more strategic and precise. The forceps is one such surgical tool.
The medical jargon of surgical forceps is rather complex to understand. To clarify, forceps are specific grasping tools whose prime function is to grasp, retract, or stabilize human tissue. The different types of forceps are categorized particularly by the shape of their teeth—a design that is correlated with the type of tissue the tool is intended to hold or manipulate. Let’s take a closer look now at the assortment of forceps available for medical use today.
Obstetric Forceps: A Brief History
The initial creators of the forceps prototype—a pair of surgically-trained siblings both named Peter—bent over backward to keep their instrument invention in the dark. The use of such a device was kept a blooming secret for nearly a century. At the time, there was clear opposition within medical establishments to use intervention in childbirth, as it was “midwifery meddling.” There was also financial incentive involved.
In past centuries when cesarean sections were not a possibility, women could be stalled in labor for days, even up to a week’s time. Obstetric forceps were thus extremely advantageous, as they could help to guide a baby’s head through the birth canal as a mother pushed during birth. Despite their strange design that’s similar to appearance in salad tongs, these forceps saved countless lives back in pre-anesthetic and pre-antibiotic times.
Nonetheless, the family secret eventually trickled out, and variations of forceps appeared throughout Britain and Europe. However, the use of forceps has altered dramatically since, as its purpose during the birthing process was eventually overcome with newer technologies and medical advancements. The forceps have revolutionized to become a wider assortment of surgical tools utilized in the medical field today.
Ring Forceps
Surgical forceps are broad enough to be categorized into two separate classifications: thumb forceps and ring forceps. Ring forceps originate from the idea of obstetric forceps, as they are hinged and look similar in design to scissors, with ring holes on the end for holding. They can come straight-edged or angled.
These grasping instruments are especially critical for firm holding of objects during more delicate operations or clamping down on larger blood vessels or heavy tissue. Hemostatic forceps is one distinctive type that specifically aids in controlling hemorrhage to prevent an overflow of blood. All hemostatic forceps contain a locking mechanism called a ratchet for better grasping action and control.
Other common ring types in the industry include a Kelly, Mosquito, or Rochester, which are each designed differently for grasping and reaching purposes. Locking forceps are also called clamps when they are hemostatic. When used to firmly grasp or move around needles, they are structurally known as needle holders.
Splinter forceps are another notable tool-type whose special purpose is to remove splinters, or sharp pieces of bone, from the flesh. This type works extremely well to manipulate through narrower areas because of its small, triangular tip.
Last but not least, towel forceps are critical clamping instruments for an operating room. Their purpose is to hold in place pieces of towels or drapes in the right position during the entire course of an operation.
Thumb Forceps
Classifying the different types of forceps is difficult because of their numerous functions for procedures. Contrasting from ring forceps, thumb forceps are spring-like and are used through the compression made between a user’s thumb and forefinger. These forceps are beneficial for grasping, holding, and also manipulating a range of body tissue.
Thumb forceps are non-ratchet. Since this type does not lock, they are available with a wide array of edged tips. These tips can be either flat, cupped, ringed, grooved, and serrated—as well as angled, curved, or stick straight in design.
Thumb forceps are also classified into two broader categories: dressing forceps and tissue forceps. Dressing forceps are commonly used for dressing and undressing wounds. The finest dressing forceps can be used in sensitive surgeries because they minimize possible damage to gentle tissue. Conversely, tissue forceps have teeth that provide a boosted grip on soft tissue. Certain tissue forceps are designed for delicate stitching and suture work. Out of all the thumb forceps, the Foester, Adson, and Iris types are most utilized in the modern medical field.
Clinical Procedures
The type of forceps used in clinical procedures will depend widely on if the operation calls for a tool that has teeth or one that does not. The proper forceps is all about application. Remember intention in design when selecting a forcep for its function. Ring—clamped or ratchet—forceps are an ideal hands-free grasping method as they can lock on to tissue and be left alone. Thumb forceps—dressing or tissue—do require direct finger contact and a tight grip to handle tissues firsthand.
Forceps are only one kind of wholesale medical supplies you can purchase online. Here at American Screening, we carry a large variety of high-quality supplies for your medical practice. Whatever supplies you need to function on a scheduled basis, we’ve got you covered for your day-to-day operations. As a premium supplier, we can ensure that our medical products are top-notch to deliver safe care to your patients without any worry in mind. From gloves to masks, or from hand-sanitizers to disposable gowns, our equipment is suitable for the task at hand.
Our broad supply of surgical forceps comprehensively covers all the needs of your medical facility. From tissue and dressing forceps to curved or straight hemostatic forceps, we offer the best quality product and wholesale pricing around. Please contact American Screening Corp with any questions or feel free to chat with us in our live online support today.
