Chapter 3: Table of contents
Thumb Forceps:
Thumb forceps are used for the manipulation and grasping of tissues during surgery. They are non-locking, they contain a grasping surface and may or may not have teeth. Forceps without teeth are thought to cause less tissue trauma, however, they often require more pressure to hold tissues than do forceps with teeth, and can subsequently cause greater damage to tissues. Thumb forceps should be held between the thumb and index finger with a pencil grip when in use, and in the palmed position when not in use.
Correct Handling:
Thumb forceps should be held between the thumb and index finger with a pencil grip when in use, and in the palmed position when not in use.
Incorrect Handling:
Thumb forceps should be held between the thumb and index finger with a pencil grip rather than a palmed grip.
Adson:
Adson forceps are equipped with fine, rat tooth tips that provide a gentle grasp of tissues. These forceps are freqently used in surgery to manipulate soft tissues such as fascia and skin during suturing.
Adson-brown:
These forceps are similar to the Adson tissue forceps, except that the tip configuration is characterized by multiple, fine intermeshing teeth that provide a secure (although slightly more traumatic) grasp of tissues and suture needles.
Rat tooth:
Rat tooth forceps have larger interdigitating teeth enabling strong grasp of skin or dense tissue (i.e. fascia) without slipping.
DeBakey:
The specific design of the DeBakey tissue forceps (striated in a longitudinal direction) provides a delicate grasp of soft tissues by minimizing tissue damage. It is used preferentially during thoracic and vascular procedures but many surgeons also prefer to use DeBakey forceps during abdominal procedures (e.g. bowel or bladder surgery). The instruments are available in various lengths and tip width.
Russian:
These forceps have a very broad tip characterized by a circular serrated gripping surface. This instrument is available in varying lengths. These forceps are sturdy and provide a strong holding grasp of tissues. The gripping surface is traumatic to tissues, and care should be taken to prevent damage. I often use these forceps to manipulate the pericardial sac during a pericardectomy.