History of surgical scissors
In ancient times, healthcare providers used linen bandages, palm bark, wood, and clay to treat injuries. It was at the time of Hippocrates era that marked a big change in history with the use of tools in the surgery field. People were surprised to see surgeons using surgical instruments primarily made of bronze, copper, iron, brass, etc., hence earning the title “father of modern medicine.
There was a large variety of surgical equipment that started to expand over time. Not only this, it was reported through numerous evidences that there were around 200 different types of tools that existed at that time. But, the progress didn’t stop there.
It was the era of the Roman Empire which picked up the pieces when the Greek civilization declined. However, surgery didn’t become a disciple of its own until the 1700’s. moving further, this growing field became more organized in the 1800’s with Paris, France becoming a major hub for it. On the other hand, Tuttlingen, Germany started becoming well known for producing high-quality surgical instruments. Afterward, surgical tools gained popularity in healthcare facilities with easy accessibility and continued advancements during the Industrial Revolution.
Today, surgical scissors are fundamental tools that are a part of every healthcare facility for their impeccable uses and benefits. Also, these equipment are present in almost every operating table because they serve multiple purposes. Surgeons use surgical scissors to remove or reposition bones and cut tissues and other materials during surgeries.
Different types of scissors for surgery
As mentioned earlier, there is a vast array of surgical scissors used in the surgical field. But, here we are going to discuss some common types of scissors for surgery that are widely used in surgical procedures. Let’s find out:
Bandage scissors
These scissors have a unique design keeping the patient’s safety in mind and are useful for cutting bandages, and gauze as well as to size the bandages. These scissors come with a blunt bottom tip and an angled tip that can easily cut through the thin material without damaging the skin area. Also, there are generally two types of bandage scissors available Knowles and Lister. The former is useful for cutting through thick materials and comes with a lightweight and durable design. Also, the upper blade of these scissors comes with a tip for protecting the patient.
On the other hand, the Lister bandage scissors are a common type of bandage scissors useful for removing bandages and sizing dressings. Not only this, but surgeons also use this scissor for cutting through tougher materials such as fabric, plaster, and umbilical cord. One incredible feature of this type is that it can easily slide between the skin and the bandages as it comprises an elongated jaw with a flattened blunt nodule at the tip. This versatile scissor is greatly used during cesarean sections where they can open the uterus while protecting the baby.
Iris scissors
Iris scissors are tiny scissors that come with a delicate tip but are extremely sharp. These scissors are commonly useful during eye-related procedures but surgeons can also use them for other surgical practices such as OB/GYN, removing fine tissues and sutures, and dermatologic surgeries.
Iris scissors are also known as ‘fine dissecting scissors” and come in both straight and curved variations to suit different surgical scenarios.
Dissecting scissors
Dissecting scissors are multipurpose tools that surgeons use to make cuts and remove skin, tissues, and stitches during surgical procedures. These scissors generally provide more mechanical leverage as compared to scalpels. Also, they greatly protect incisions during exploration with their ideally curved blades. Both light and heavy blade variations are available for these scissors.
Heavy-blade scissors are helpful when surgeons have to cut through thick tissues such as ligaments and tendons whereas the lighter-blade version is suitable for dealing with delicate structures such as eye tissues.
Metzenbaum scissors
Metzenbaum scissors is the most common name you will hear regarding surgical scissors. This is because these surgical scissors are highly popular for their delicate tips and slender elongated blades. These incredible scissors are named after an American surgeon named Myron Firth Metzenbaum who was a specialist in reconstructive and oral surgery.
These scissors have a specialized design used to dissect and handle delicate structures such as blood vessels with greater accuracy and minimal damage. Surgeons generally make use of this tool during procedures such as neurosurgery, plastic surgeries, and other procedures that involve precise tissue dissection. Moreover, these scissors have blunt tips along with both straight and curved blade variants to suit different surgical requirements.
Mayo scissors
Mayo scissor is another essential scissor that must be a part of every operating room for their incredible features and uses. This tool comes in both straight and curved variants with durable blades. Surgeons choose the one based on their specific surgical needs and personal preferences. Also, this instrument comes with a semi-blunt end and is primarily useful for cutting resilient tissues such as fascia and muscles.
The straight-bladed Mayo scissors are also known as a “suture scissors”. These scissors are essential for cutting sutures as well as for cutting tissues closer to the surface. On the other hand, the curved variant of this scissor allows for deeper penetration than the straight-bladed version.
Tenotomy scissor
This surgical scissor is greatly useful during intricate procedures such as neurosurgery, ophthalmic surgery, and plastic surgery procedures. Surgeons are able to have better accessibility in confined spaces with the help of this tool due to their long handle and secure grip. Moreover, tenotomy scissors are available in different shapes and sizes to suit different surgical scenarios. The blunt tips variant is great for handling membranes effectively whereas sharp tips are ideally useful during precise dissections.
Stitch scissor
Surgeons use this scissor ideally for removing sutures. The scissor ideally known for effortlessly inserting beneath the suture to lift and separate it from the skin before cutting. This is so because it comes with a hook-shaped tip on one of its blades. Moreover, the hook prevents it from slipping off the blade prematurely and also ensures that the suture remains secure.
Operating scissor
This scissor is the most common and widely known surgical scissor in any healthcare facility for its versatile nature. Operating scissors are one of the fundamental surgical scissors that typically feature sharp blades and come in various lengths. These scissors are mainly used to cut through tough tissues with sharp blades.
Conclusion
After discussing all the common types of scissors for surgery and their uses in the surgical field, it must be easier for you to know which one to choose next time you need to do some cutting. Additionally, with a better understanding of these scissors, surgical teams can achieve the best possible health outcomes and ensure patient safety in the operating rooms.
Buy the best quality surgical scissors
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We offer various types of scissors for surgery that will last you for years in your operating room toolkits. Not only this, we also have a wide range of surgical equipment ranging from surgical scissors, forceps, to retractors and whatnot! All our medical equipment is ISO-certified ensuring the highest accuracy and precision in your operating rooms.