Surgical Instruments Key Terms

Prepare for a career in the OR by learning surgical instruments key terms

If you're preparing for a future in surgery at a hospital or surgical center, you may want to start by becoming familiar with surgical instruments key terms. From general surgical instruments to those that are used only for specific procedures, you'll find there are many types of surgical instruments. For a career in the surgical field, you'll need to know the many kinds of forceps, and learn to identify probes, directors, retractors and surgical loupes and their functions.

 

Retractors

Surgical retractors are tools with hooked or curved blades. These surgical instruments are used to hold open both sides of an incision, or to hold back tissue or organs during operations.
Try: The Med Supply Guide offers a brief description of what retractors are and how they are used.

Forceps

Often referred to as the most common of all surgical instruments, forceps are like large tweezers. They are mainly used to hold back organs during surgeries. Forceps come in many types and sizes and are used in nearly all kinds of surgeries, from delivering babies to delicate ear surgery.
Try: Surgical Instruments explains what forceps are used for and describes a few different types of surgical forceps.

Scalpels

Scalpels are perhaps the best-known and most widely-recognized surgical instrument. Scalpels are sharp blades used for making surgical incisions. Scalpels come in an assortment of sizes and types.
Try: Find a definition of scalpel and descriptions of some types of scalpels at Surgical Products Marketplace.

Surgical loupes

Surgical loupes are magnifying glasses worn by surgeons during some surgical procedures. Surgical loupes allow surgeons to remain hands-free while magnifying nerves and small arteries. Loupes come in various degrees of magnification.
Try: Surgical Acuity shows what surgical loupes are and some different kinds, with accompanying pictures depicting how the loupes are worn.

Calipers

Surgical calipers are measuring devices used in certain types of surgeries. They are mostly used to measure corneas, jaws or grafts before surgery.
Try: Science-Laboratory-Equipment.com defines caliper and details the types of surgeries calipers are used for.

Hemostats

Hemostats, also called hemostat forceps, are small scissor-like instruments that are used to clamp blood vessels to stop blood flow during surgery. Hemostats also can help control hemorrhaging.
Try: SCZO Supplies provides a detailed description of a surgical hemostat, how and why it is used, and also provides photos of this instrument.

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