TL;DR
Surgical Instruments: Specialized operative tools categorized by function: cutting, clamping, grasping, retracting, and suturing.
Surgical Instruments
Definition
Specialized operative tools categorized by function: cutting, clamping, grasping, retracting, and suturing.
Categories
- Cutting: scalpels (#3/#4/#7 handles, #10/#15/#20 blades), Mayo and Metzenbaum scissors, curettes, rongeurs
- Clamping: hemostats (mosquito, Kelly, Crile), vascular clamps (Bulldog, Satinsky, DeBakey)
- Grasping: tissue forceps (Adson, DeBakey, Russian), towel clips, needle holders
- Retracting: handheld (Army-Navy, Richardson, Senn), self-retaining (Weitlaner, Gelpi, Balfour)
- Suturing: needle holders, suture scissors, skin hooks
Handling
Handle delicate instruments separately. Close ratcheted instruments to first click when passing. Clean during procedure with moist sponge.
Passing
Pass handle-first, decisively, so surgeon can use without looking away. Curved instruments oriented for direction of use. Scalpels blade-down. Anticipation is the hallmark of excellence.
Why It Matters
Core CST exam topics: identification, handling, and passing technique.
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