Chapter 9: Surgical Instruments and Specialty Devices

Terminology and technical specifications for surgical instrument identification, inspection, and maintenance based on Chapter 9.

Austenitic and Martensitic

The two types of stainless steel used in the manufacturing of surgical instruments.

Allis

An example of a grasping surgical instrument.

$300$ series stainless steel

A type of steel known for being more malleable than the $400$ series, more heat-resistant, and very corrosion-resistant.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) instruments

Instruments that are prone to defects in their insulation or coating.

Box lock

Commonly considered the weakest part of a surgical instrument.

Magnifying lamp

A tool used for inspection that should ideally provide $5$ times magnification.

Passivation

A manufacturing process that helps prevent corrosion of surgical instruments.

First ratchet

The position to which a hemostat should be closed when holding it up to light to check for proper function.

Hemostatic clamps

A category of instruments that includes the Crile, Kelly, and Peon.

Schnidt

An instrument that is most likely to be found on a tonsil set.

Tissue-simulating product

The material that should be used to test the entire blade of scissors for sharpness.

Tungsten carbide inserts

Components of gold-handled needle holders that must be inspected every time to ensure they are intact.

Cushing forceps

A type of forceps mainly used in neuro and vascular surgery.

Russian forceps

Forceps characterized by a smooth, rounded tip.

Balfour

A specific type of self-retaining retractor.

Ronguers

Surgical instruments whose sharpness can be checked using an index card.

$$90\%$$

The percentage of suctions in a recent study that harbored visible debris or brown/rusty discoloration inside.

$$100\%$$

The percentage of arthroscopic shavers in a study found to harbor visible debris or discoloration inside.

Webster or Halsey

Types of needle holders that are smooth-jawed.

Chlorine or bromide

Chemicals that can cause pitting when they come into contact with surgical instruments.

Titanium

A material used for surgical instruments that can be recognized by its blue color.

Metzenbaum

Scissors specifically used to dissect tissues and vessels during surgery.