What are Forceps? An Introduction to Essential Medical Tools
According to the National Institutes of Health, 40 to 50 million major surgeries are conducted every year in the United States alone. All of these procedures require medical instruments which are either disposable or can be reused after sterilization. One of these essential items is forceps which are employed to grasp, retract, or stabilize body tissues during surgeries. These forceps are available in multiple designs to conduct different procedures.
Different kinds of forceps are employed for conducting surgeries
In this article, let us learn what forceps are, what are their types, and why are they employed during different medical as well as surgical procedures.
What are Forceps?
Forceps are handheld medical instruments that are employed for holding body tissues during surgical procedures. These are particularly ideal when the surgeon wants her or his hands free during the surgery while grasping certain tissues at the same time.
As these forceps can be locked in place, they can keep the tissue grasped even when no one is holding the forceps. Forceps are also known as pliers, clips, clamps, tweezers, as well as tongs. In addition, these are also known as grippers, chelae, nippers, appendages, pincers, and pinchers.
Types of Surgical Forceps
Forceps can be classified in the following ways:
1. Based on the Locking System
Forceps can either be locked or can be of a non-locking nature. These two types of forceps have been discussed as follows:
· Locking Forceps
Locking forceps, also called clamps, have a hinged point either in the center or close to the grasping end. Their primary purpose is to facilitate clamping, grasping, or holding delicate tissues. In cases when these locking forceps are employed for occluding an artery, these are referred to as a hemostat. If the locking forceps are employed for guiding the suturing needle through the body tissues, these are called needle holders.
· Non-Locking or Thumb Forceps
Non-locking forceps, also known as pick-ups or thumb forceps, cannot be locked at a point as they lack the locking mechanism. These are available in two designs:
Some non-locking forceps are hinged at the end opposite to the grasping side. This gives a tweezers-like shape to the product. These are often employed to lift the tissues and blood vessels during surgical operations.
Apart from these, some non-locking forceps are hinged in the middle rather than at the end. This makes the product look like a scissor.
Forceps in the form of scissors are easy to hold and operate
Based on Function
The medical and surgical forceps can be divided into the following categories based on the functions they perform:
· Disposable Forceps
Disposable forceps are manufactured with low-quality construction materials such as plastic and are therefore only suitable for a single use.
· Non-Disposable Forceps
Non-disposable forceps are constructed with strong and long-lasting materials. Therefore, these products are not sensitive to cleaning agents, secretions, body fluids, etc. Moreover, these can be subjected to sterilization and autoclaving as well.
Construction Materials
The surgical forceps are constructed with the following materials:
High-Grade Carbon Steel
Forceps manufactured with high-grade carbon steel can be sterilized again and again at high temperatures. Hence, their utilization in surgical procedures is high.
Plastic tweezers or forceps are single-use items which need to be disposed of after one employment
High-Quality Stainless Steel
As high-quality stainless steel has immense strength and is never corroded, the forceps manufactured using this material are also not prone to rusting. In addition, the edges of the product also remain sharp for longer.
Chromium Alloys
Chromium can also be employed for the construction of medical forceps. Like stainless steel, this also prevents corrosion and renders the forceps long-lasting.
Vanadium
Vanadium is also a useful construction material for forceps. Its corrosion resistance is high and the material is tough to withstand day-to-day use.
Plastic
Plastic forceps are for a single use only. These are to be employed once and discarded immediately. The major benefit of these kinds of forceps is that they do not need to be sterilized. In addition, the risk of the transmission of infections from one patient to another is zero.
Uses of Medical Forceps
Forceps are generally employed in all kinds of surgical procedures. Their role involves:
Clamping of Blood Vessels
A major issue when it comes to open surgeries is controlling the blood loss. This can be done by clamping the blood vessels which can be done by using forceps. This way, the risk of hypotension or blood pressure drop can be eliminated.
Handling Body Tissues
Forceps are also suitable for grasping, holding, and manipulating body tissues which is their primary function.
Holding Surgical Dressings
During operations, the forceps are also employed for holding dressings as well as other materials. This way, blood and body fluids that are being secreted get absorbed quickly and thus the procedure is facilitated for the healthcare provider.
Microsurgery
Forceps are also suitable for microsurgeries where there is a need to conduct the job with precision while using a microscope.
Removal of Tumorous Masses
Forceps can also be used for holding and removing tumors during dissection.
Forceps are manufactured in different shapes and forms
Medical Forceps at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Medical forceps are essential instruments that are employed for holding, grasping, and stabilizing body tissues when a surgical procedure is being conducted. These forceps are available in both disposable as well as reusable forms. The single-use products are cheaper while reusable ones are expensive but can be employed for many years to come. Many different kinds 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 employed for conducting gynecological procedures. Their secure grip renders them extremely useful for clamping blood vessels as well as minor tissues so that bleeding can be controlled and limited. These have been named so because of their slender legs which resemble those of a mosquito.
These are made up of surgical-grade stainless steel or premium German steel. This makes them suitable for sterilization and autoclaving as these materials can bear high temperatures. Their fingertip grip technique enables the user to grab the product with their fingertips instead of palms. These can be used for longer periods of time with comfort and also provide a stronger hold. These are available in the following sizes:
| Types | Sizes | ||
| Inches | Millimeters | ||
| 031113 | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Straight | 5 | 127 |
| 031114 | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Straight with Delicate Teeth | 5 | 127 |
| 031115 | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Straight with 1×2 Teeth | 5 | 127 |
| 031116 | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Curved | 5 | 127 |
| 031118 | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Curved with Delicate Teeth | 5 | 127 |
| 031119 | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Curved with 1×2 Teeth | 5 | 127 |
| 031116-ECO | Halsted Mosquito Hemostatic Forceps Economy | 5 | 127 |
MedGyn Foerster Dressing Forceps
US$124.88
Product Details
MedGyn Foerster dressing forceps are commonly employed for gynecological procedures in which there is a need to hold gauze squares for absorbing excessive body fluids as well as blood. These are made up of high-grade stainless steel and can thus be autoclaved. These forceps are available in different sizes which have been enlisted as follows:
| Types | Sizes | Jaw Shape | ||
| Inches | Millimeters | |||
| 031035 | Foerster Dressing Forceps | 91/2” | 241 | Serrated jaws |
| 031037 | Foerster Dressing Forceps Straight | 91/2” | 241 | Smooth jaws |
| 031036 | Foerster Dressing Forceps Curved | 91/2” | 241 | Serrated jaws |
| 031038 | Foerster Dressing Forceps Curved | 91/2” | 241 | Smooth jaws |
MedGyn Tissue Forceps
US$95.88
Product Details
MedGyn tissue forceps are surgical-grade products made up of stainless steel. These come with a finger ring handle which enables the physician to hold the product comfortably. The product is non-sterile but can be sterilized by autoclaving. It comes in two forms:
| Types | Sizes | ||
| Inches | Millimeters | ||
| 031180 | Tissue Forceps Small 1×2 Teeth | 8” | 203 |
| 031181 | Tissue Forceps Large 1×2 Teeth | 10” | 254 |
MedGyn 031196 Adson Tissue Forceps 4¾” (121mm) 1×2 Teeth
US$94.88
Product Details
MedGyn Adson tissue forceps 1×2 teeth are 4¾” long i.e. 121 millimeters. These are also known as thumb forceps as well as surgical forceps. These products are designed in a way that the tissues can be handled with precision. This way, the risk of tissue damage or manipulation is minimized.
Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator Forceps EACH
US$1,637.88
Product Details
Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator forceps EACH are specialized instruments for cardiac surgeries. These do not have a locking system but are comfortable to hold. The length of the product is 5.75” and is non-sterile. These can also be sterilized after every use. The Sklar Biemer forceps are not curved and have a straighter appearance.
Moreover, the products are completely free from latex and are constructed with premium OR-grade stainless steel. These Sklar 98-4210 Biemer Approximator forceps have 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 that are free from latex and are therefore suitable for people with every skin type. As these products are reusable, they can be subjected to sterilization and autoclaving.
Their stainless steel build ensures immense strength and shape retention for a longer period of time. However, disposable options are also available. Their working surface style is serrated. The shape of these forceps is straight as well as curved. These are available in the following forms:
| Part Number | Forceps Length | Curvature |
| 61-0120 | 16 inches | Straight |
| 61-1110 | 18 inches | Curved |
| 61-1120 | 18 inches | Straight |
| 61-2120 | 20 inches | Straight |
| 61-2110 | 20 inches | Curved |
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. They may vary over time.
Forceps are essential as they are used for holding and lifting small body tissues
The different kinds 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. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link given in the article to check out the wide range of forceps.
Bottom Line
During surgical procedures, many different instruments are required to hold, cut, or remove the body tissues. One such item that is essential in almost all surgical processes is forceps. These are available in many forms which are then used for different surgical procedures.
Surgical forceps are handheld and can be controlled easily. Their different sizes serve best when employed on different body parts. For purchasing the different kinds of forceps, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
References
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.
