Surgical InstrumentsGrasping and ClampingRetractingCutting and DissectingProbing and Dilating

Sponge Forceps

Used to hold gauze squares or sponge to mop up the surgical siteJaws are serrated

Transfer Forceps

When sterile, transferforceps;arrange items on sterile traytransfer items to sterile field

Splinter ForcepsFine tip for foreign object retrieval

Walter Splinter ForcepsVery fine tipSpear-head design

1x2 Toothed Tissue ForcepsUsed for grasping and holding tissue, muscle or skin surrounding a woundSingle toothed on one side; fits between two teeth on the other sideAvailable as 1x2 or 2x3 or 3x4

Plain Thumb ForcepsUsed to hold tissue in place when applying suturesUsed to gently move tissues out of the way during exploratory surgery Used to insert packing into or remove objects from deep cavities

Curved Mosquito HemostatUsed to hold delicate tissue Used to compress bleeding vesselsJaws are fully serrated

Kelly HemostatUsed to clamp small vessels or hold tissueJaws are partially serratedCurved or straight

Needle HolderUsed to hold and pass a suturing needle through tissueHas groove to hold needle within jaws

Towel ClampAdds weight to drapes and towels to ensure they stay in placeAllow exposure of the operative site

Skin HookFlat end is a blunt retractorThree-prong end may be sharp to dullUsed to retract small incisions or secure a skin edge for suturing

Iris Suture ScissorsUsed to remove suturesBlade has beak or hook to slide under sutures

Scalpel HolderHolds scalpel bladeActs as a handle

Lister Bandage ScissorsUsed to remove bandages and dressingsProbe tip is blunt; inserted under bandages with relative safety

Sharp/Sharp ScissorsUsed to cut and dissect tissueBoth blade tips are sharp

Sharp/Blunt ScissorsUsed to cut and dissect fascia and muscleOne blunt tip and one sharp tip

Curved Blunt/Blunt ScissorsBoth blade tips are bluntCan be curved or straight

Ear CurretteCan have sharp or blunt scraper endsUsed to remove ear wax from ear canal

Nasal Speculum

Used to spread nostrils during examination

Anoscope with ObturatorUsed to visualize the rectum and lumen of the sigmoid colonUsed to examine anal canal and distal aspect of the rectumConsists of a stylus or removable plug (Obturator) used during the insertion of many tubular instruments (Anoscope).

Vaginal SpeculumUsed during gynecological exam or procedureDilates the opening of the vaginal cavity, allowing for inspection of the vagina and cervixFacilitates access for observation and treatment