Types of Forceps: The Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Surgical Precision!
Forceps are a necessary surgical tool that is employed for holding, grasping, as well as manipulating tissues during open surgery. As these are useful for conducting almost all kinds of medical procedures, many types of forceps have been designed and manufactured. These are available in both disposable as well as reusable options.
Forceps are essential for conducting all types of medical procedures
In this article, let us focus on the types of forceps that are commonly used along with their suitability for certain procedures. In addition, some of the notable brands have also been enlisted.
Types of Forceps
The following types of forceps are available in the market. All of these differ in their designs as well as functionality depending upon the procedures they are specific for. Some of these are given as follows:
1. Thumb Tissue Forceps
Thumb tissue forceps are employed when there is a need to grasp, hold, or manipulate body tissues. Owing to their non-ratcheting design, these forceps can be opened and closed by applying pressure on their handle. This way, control over the instrument is enhanced. Their serrated tips ensure a good grip on the tissues due to their non-slip nature with minimum risk of harm.
2. Kelly Hemostatic Forceps
Kelly hemostatic forceps are the types of forceps that are effective in controlling bleeding during medical procedures. Their design indicates the presence of smooth jaws which are curved at the tips. The long and straight shaft allows the instrument to be inserted into places with narrow bores as well.
3. Babcock Forceps
Babcock forceps are particularly designed to provide a stronger grip on delicate tissues. These instruments are extremely safe to use as their triangle-shaped fenestrated jaws effectively prevent tissue damage. Moreover, their long shaft with ratcheting mechanism allows the surgeon to lock the forceps in place.
Babcock forceps
4. DeBakey Forceps
DeBakey forceps are fine in construction and have gently curved jaws that can grasp and hold delicate body tissues without damaging them. These are large and have a length of up to 12 inches or 36 cm. In addition, their coarsely ribbed grip panel also ensures a stronger hold on the instrument.
5. Allison Tissue Forceps
Allison tissue forceps, also called Allison Lung grasping forceps, are constructed to have slender bodies with long jaws. The design has several serrations and thus provides a stronger grip during usage. Hence, the risk of tissue slipping is minimal.
6. Tenaculum Forceps
Tenaculum forceps are the types of forceps that are considered ideal for gynecological procedures. These are often employed for handling the tissues of the uterus or cervical area. The product has pointed jaws which are sharp enough to pierce the tissue followed by a stronger grasp.
7. Adson Forceps with Teeth
Adson forceps with teeth are ideal for handling delicate body tissues as they do not tend to damage them further. In addition, their secure grip ensures ample control of the instrument during usage. Their atraumatic jaws have a single row of teeth at one end for the prevention of tissue slippage.
Adson forceps
8. Cervical Biopsy Forceps
Cervical biopsy forceps are sharp and have cup-shaped jaws that grasp the cervical tissue firmly. Their strong build is a result of the high-grade German surgical stainless steel which is a tough and long-lasting material.
9. Kocher Hemostatic Forceps
Kocher hemostatic forceps are the types of forceps that are most suited for gynecological procedures. These have one serrated and one smooth jaw. The serrated side holds the tissue firmly while the smoother one is for applying pressure on blood vessels so that bleeding can be controlled.
The ratcheting mechanism also ensures that the forceps are strongly locked in place. Their high-quality stainless steel build renders them durable. Moreover, these can also be subjected to sterilization before every use.
10. Bone Reduction Forceps
These types of forceps are employed during orthopedic surgeries to hold and remove the fragments of broken bones. The serrated jaws do not let the bones slip or get damaged. Moreover, precision in controlling the instrument can be achieved with its ergonomic design.
11. Martin Tissue Forceps
These types of forceps are suitable for handling medium-weight tissues. These are made up of German stainless steel and have serrated jaws for stronger hold. Their length is up to 90 mm and have a finer construction.
12. Dressing Forceps Serrated
Dressing forceps with serrated jaws are designed to hold sponges, dressings, as well as other small objects during surgery. This is helpful for absorbing body fluids, primarily blood, so that the surgeon can get a clear view of the area being operated. The product is available in different lengths and sizes.
13. Dental Forceps
Dental forceps are specialized instruments designed for use in dental procedures, primarily for extracting teeth. They come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of teeth and anatomical features. Here are some key points:
- Purpose: Used to grip and extract teeth, especially those that are impacted or require additional leverage for removal.
- Design: Typically have a rounded beak to fit around the tooth, with a handle that allows for a strong grip.
- Types: Include:
– Maxillary Forceps: Designed for upper teeth.
– Mandibular Forceps: Designed for lower teeth. - Features: May have serrated jaws for improved grip and are often made of stainless steel for durability.
Applications of Different Types of Forceps
When the design and construction of forceps are modified, their employment also changes. The following table enlists the applications of different types of forceps:
| Types of Forceps | Applications |
| Thumb Tissue Forceps | Orthopedic surgery
General surgery Plastic surgery Gynecological procedures |
| Kelly Hemostatic Forceps | General surgery
Gynecological procedures |
| Babcock Forceps | Urological operations
Gynecological surgery Intestinal surgery Laparotomy Vascular surgery |
| DeBakey Forceps | Vascular surgeries
Cardiovascular procedures Microsurgeries |
| Allison Tissue Forceps | Thoracic surgeries
Cardiovascular procedures |
| Tenaculum Forceps | Hysteroscopy
D&C (Dilation and curettage) procedures |
| Adson Forceps with Teeth | Plastic surgery
Gynecological surgery Orthopedic surgery General surgery |
| Cervical Biopsy Forceps | Colposcopy
Cervical cancer screening Cervical dysplasia management Abnormal pap smear result evaluation |
| Kocher Hemostatic Forceps | General surgery
Gynecological surgeries Urology Vascular surgery Neurosurgery |
| Bone Reduction Forceps | Orthopedic surgeries i.e. Bone grafting
Joint replacement Fracture reduction Spinal surgery |
| Martin Tissue Forceps | Urology
Plastic surgery Vascular surgery Gynecological surgery |
| Dressing Forceps Serrated | Surgical procedures
Dressing changes Laboratory work Wound packing |
Allis tissue grasping forceps being used during a procedure by the surgeon
Forceps at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Forceps are essential whenever a surgical procedure is to be conducted. These are required to hold, grasp, and lift tissues in a way that they are not damaged at all. Different types of forceps have different shapes and sizes and are available in both reusable as well as disposable options. Many different types of forceps are available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
MedGyn Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps
US$49.88 to $66.88
Product Details
MedGyn Halsted mosquito hemostatic forceps are particularly designed to conduct gynecological operations and examinations. As these forceps have slender and long legs, they are named mosquito forceps.
The product also has a stronger grip when employed for holding the blood vessels and minor tissues. Therefore, these types of forceps are often used for controlling bleeding. The fingertip grip system allows the surgeon to use these forceps using their fingers instead of their palms. This renders the usage easy as well as comfortable.
The construction of these MedGyn Halsted mosquito hemostatic forceps is done using surgical-grade stainless steel or premium German steel. That’s why, these can be subjected to sterilization multiple times during their longer working period. These are available in the following sizes:
| Types of Forceps | Sizes | |
| 031113-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Straight | 5 inches | 127 mm |
| 031114-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Straight with Delicate Teeth | 5 inches | 127 mm |
| 031115-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Straight with 1×2 Teeth | 5 inches | 127 mm |
| 031116-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Curved | 5 inches | 127 mm |
| 031118-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Curved with Delicate Teeth | 5 inches | 127 mm |
| 031119-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Curved with 1×2 Teeth | 5 inches | 127 mm |
| 031116-ECO-Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Economy | 5 inches | 127 mm |
MedGyn Foerster Dressing Forceps
US$124.88
Product Details
MedGyn Foerster dressing forceps are considered ideal for conducting uterine and cervical procedures. These can be employed to hold gauze squares which are needed for the absorption of blood or other body fluids during open surgeries.
Their construction material is high-grade stainless steel so sterilization of the product is easy. These MedGyn Foerster dressing forceps are available in different sizes which have been enlisted as follows:
| Types | Sizes | |
| 031035-Foerster Dressing Forceps with Serrated Jaws | 91/2 inches | 241 mm |
| 031037-Foerster Dressing Forceps Straight with Smooth Jaws | 91/2 inches | 241 mm |
| 031036-Foerster Dressing Forceps Curved with Serrated Jaws | 91/2 inches | 241 mm |
| 031038-Foerster Dressing Forceps Curved with Smooth Jaws | 91/2 inches | 241 mm |
MedGyn Tissue Forceps
US$95.88
Product Details
MedGyn tissue forceps have stainless steel construction. These are non-sterile products but can be subjected to autoclaving frequently. The finger ring handle also allows the surgeon to hold the product comfortably. These MedGyn tissue forceps come in two forms:
| Types | Sizes | |
| 031180-Tissue Forceps Small 1×2 Teeth | 8 inches | 203 mm |
| 031181-Tissue Forceps Large 1×2 Teeth | 10 inches | 254 mm |
MedGyn 031196 Adson Tissue Forceps 4¾” (121mm) 1×2 Teeth
US$94.88
Product Details
MedGyn Adson tissue forceps 1×2 teeth have a length of 4¾ inches which is about 121 millimeters. Their stainless steel construction allows the healthcare professional to thoroughly clean the product after every employment by means of dry heat or steam sterilization.
These MedGyn Adson tissue forceps are also called thumb forceps or surgical forceps. This is because their serrated design allows easy handling with a stronger grip. In addition, the risk of slippage is also minimal.
The main reason for using these MedGyn forceps is the handling of body tissues with precision. Moreover, these also provide security during use as there are no chances of tissue manipulation or damage.
Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator Forceps EACH
US$1,637.88
Product Details
Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator forceps EACH are the types of forceps that are employed during cardiovascular surgeries. These are comfortable to hold and have a locking system that can keep the forceps in place even when they are not being held.
As for the length, these Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator forceps are 5.75 inches long. These are non-sterile but can be subjected to sterilization due to their premium OR-grade stainless steel construction material. The shape of these products is straight and does not have curved tips. These Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator forceps come with a lifetime guarantee.
Sklar Bariatric Lawrence Forceps EACH
US$860.88 to $1,024.88
Product Details
Sklar Bariatric Lawrence forceps EACH are hemostatic forceps. These have stainless steel construction and are free from latex material. This means that the product does not cause skin irritation or redness of the skin. Moreover, autoclaving and sterilization are also possible.
The shapes of these Sklar bariatric Lawrence forceps are both straight as well as curved so that the most suited one can be chosen based on the requirements. The product is reusable so can be used for longer periods. These are available in the following forms:
| Part Number | Curvature | Forceps Length |
| 61-0120 | Straight | 16 inches |
| 61-1110 | Curved | 18 inches |
| 61-1120 | Straight | 18 inches |
| 61-2120 | Straight | 20 inches |
| 61-2110 | Curved | 20 inches |
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Allis tissue forceps
The different types of forceps mentioned in the article, along with many other medical supplies, can be ordered from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. We have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the links given in the article to check out different types of forceps.
Bottom Line
Forceps are medical instruments that are employed for grasping and lifting body tissues. Owing to their vast functionality, these products are needed during almost every kind of operation from urological surgeries to cardiovascular procedures.
Different types of forceps are designed to target different body parts. Most of these are stainless steel-based products that can easily be steam sterilized. However, plastic forceps are also available which can be discarded once their job is done.
Hence, forceps are needed in every healthcare facility including hospitals, clinics, as well as dental facilities. For purchasing the different types of forceps, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
