Knife handle

Category: cutting and dissecting Use(s): is used when precision cutting is needed in a confined space or a deep wound. Description: a #7 knife handle holds blades 10, 11, 12, and 15. CAUTION: never retrieve the scalpel from the surgeon after it is used; allow the surgeon to place it in the "neutral zone." CAUTION: use a needle holder to load and unload a scalpel blade; never use fingers.

Towel clamp

Category: grasping and holding Other names: Roeder towel clip, Jones. Use(s): is used for holding towels in place when draping, when grasping tough tissue, and during reduction of small bone fractures. Description: a ratcheted instrument with curved, sharp, tinelike jaws. Instrument Insight: Never use penetrating clips to attach the electrosurgical unit (ESU), suction, or any other item to the drapes. This will perforate the drapes and compromise the sterile field. CAUTION: when clipping towels together, be careful not to penetrate the patient's skin.

CAUTION: exercise care when handling penetrating forceps. The sharp tips can easily compromise the integrity of your gloves or those of the surgeon.

Forceps/clamps, curved or straight

Category: clamping and occluding Other names: hemostat, snap, clamp, Kelly Use(s): is used to occlude bleeders before cauterization or ligation. Description: a curved or straight clamp w/horizontal serrations that run the complete length of the jaws. Instrument Insights: the curved Crile is the most widely used clamp in all specialty areas.

Allis intestinal forceps

Category: grasping and holding Use(s): is used for lifting, holding, and retracting slippery dense tissue that is being removed. Commonly used for tonsils; for vaginal, breast, and thyroid tisse; or for grasping bowel during resection. Description: curved or straight w/multiple, interlocking fine teeth at the tip that reduce injury to the tissue.

Straight Mayo Scissors

Category: cutting and dissecting Other Names: suture scissors Use(s): are used to cut suture Description: heavy scissors w/straight blades Instrument Insight: when cutting suture, use the tips of the scissors. Slightly rotate the scissors to visualize the knot or the appropriate length of the suture tail that will remain.