Surgical Instruments and Disinfectants: Veterinary and Human Medicine

Retractors

Instruments used to hold back muscles, skin, or tissue so the surgeon can see better.

Weitlaner Retractor

A self-holding retractor with sharp prongs that stays open on its own; commonly used in ortho and neuro surgeries.

Gelpi Retractor

A self-retaining retractor with single sharp tips that spread tissue apart.

Army-Navy Retractor

A handheld retractor with flat ends used to pull tissue aside.

Hemostatic Forceps

Clamp-like tools used to squeeze blood vessels and stop bleeding.

Rochester-Carmalt Forceps

Large hemostatic forceps with grooves that help clamp thick tissue or vessels.

Bone Rongeur

A handheld instrument with sharp, scoop-shaped ends used to remove small pieces of bone.

Curettes

Spoon-shaped tools used to scrape tissue, cartilage, or bone.

Cancellous Bone

Spongy bone with a porous structure that helps screws grip better.

Unthreaded Bone Pins

Smooth metal pins used to stabilize bones; not twisted like screws.

Steinmann Pins

Thick, smooth stainless-steel pins used in orthopedic procedures.

Gigli Wire

A flexible surgical wire with handles used to cut bone with a sawing motion.

Trocar and Cannula

A sharp tool (trocar) placed inside a tube (cannula) to enter the body during scope procedures.

Arthroscope Sleeve

A protective tube placed inside a joint to guide instruments during arthroscopy.

Insufflation

The process of filling the abdomen with gas to create space for laparoscopic surgery.

Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

A common disinfectant used to kill germs on surfaces.

Chlorhexidine

A fast-acting antiseptic that keeps working for a long time to kill bacteria.

Glutaraldehyde

A chemical disinfectant used for cold sterilization; must be rinsed well to avoid tissue damage.

Flash Sterilization

Emergency sterilization using high heat for instruments needed quickly.

Ultrasonic Cleaner

A machine that uses sound waves to remove stuck debris from instruments.

Fenestrated Drape

A surgical cloth with a hole in the center that fits over the incision area.

Needle Holder Inserts (Carbide Inserts)

Replaceable parts inside needle holders that improve grip and reduce wear.

Tincture of Iodine

An iodine skin disinfectant made with alcohol; not commonly used in vet medicine.