Common Instruments Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is the purpose of a scalpel?
The primary cutting instrument used to incise tissue.
What is a No. 10 blade for?
Used in small animal surgery for incision and excision of tissues.
What is a No. 15 blade?
It is a smaller version of a 10 blade and is used for precise incisions in smaller tissues.
What is a No. 11 blade used for?
It is ideal for stab incisions into fluid-filled structures or organs. It does not have a “belly” but instead appears to have a straight sharp edge.
Describe a No. 20 blade.
It is a larger version of a No. 10 blade.
Describe use of a pencil grip for a scalpel.
Allows for shorter (1-2 cm), finer and more precise incisions than other grips because the scalpel is held at a 30-40 degree greater angle.
Describe the use of a “slide” grip of a scalpel blade.
Offers the best accuracy and stability for long (> 2cm) incisions.
Describe the use of a palmed grip for a scalpel blade.
Strongest hold on the scalpel and allows exertion of great pressure on the tissue but is often unnecessary in surgery.
Describe the use of Metzenbaum scissors.
Often used for sharp and blunt dissection or incision of finer tissues. More delicate than Mayo scissors.
Both blades are thinner than Mayo and rounder?
Describe the use of Mayo scissors.
Used for cutting dense, heavy tissue, like fascia.
Look like sharp blunt scissors but are both blunt edges, have an angle on the scissor blade edge that mets do not have.
True or False: All scissors are sharp enough to cut suture so we can use any scissors for that.
False. Cutting suture will dull scissors faster, especially those used for cutting delicate tissues. There are designated heavy scissors for cutting suture.
True or False: There are designated suture scissors used in the OR that are different from suture removal scissors kept out of the OR.
True.
Describe how scissors should be used to extend incisions.
Scissors should be nearly closed, opened, advanced and nearly closed again. This prevents a ragged incision.
Describe the purpose of needle holders.
Needle holders grasp and manipulate curved needles. The size and type of needle holder are determined by the characteristics of the needle to be held and location of tissue to be sutured.
True or False: Any needle holders can hold suture.
False, only needle holders with finely serrated or smooth jaws to prevent damage to the suture can be used to hold suture.
However, suture should still be only held at the edge where it will stay out of your surgical knot.
What is the difference between Mayo-Hegar and Olsen-Hegar needle holders?
Olsen-Hegar needle holders have scissor blades that allow suture to be tied and cut with the same instrument. They do require expertise.
In what direction should scalpel blades be held to incise skin?
They should be kept perpendicular to the skin surface.
Describe the differences between using curved and straight scissors.
Curved- offer greater maneuverability
Straight- offer the greatest mechanical advantage when cutting tough or thick tissue.
Describe the use of Iris scissors.
Delicate scissors used for ophthalmic procedures and other meticulous surgeries, to cut in a fine and precise manner.
What needle holders have a spring and latch mechanism for locking?
Castroviejo, look like a tear drop shape.
Describe the function of hemostatic forceps.
They are crushing instruments used to clamp blood vessels.
Describe the difference of using Kelly and Crile forceps versus Rochester-Carmalt.
Kelly and Crile are used on larger vessels (when compared to mosquito hemostats)
Rochester-Carmalt are used to control large tissue bundles. They have longitudinal grooves with cross-grooves at the tip ends to prevent tissue slippage.
When should Allis Tissue forceps be used?
Allis Tissue forceps should only be used to grasp tissue that will be removed from the body.
When are Babcock Tissue forceps best used?
Babcock tissue forceps are best for tissue that will be placed back into the body because of their broad flared and blunt grasping tips.
