Surgical Scissor Types

Grey Medical has an extensive assortment of surgical scissors each designed for specific surgical tasks and available in different styles and shapes.

Surgical scissors are critical tools in the operating room, used for cutting tissues, sutures, and other materials with precision and control. With a wide range of designs available, each type of surgical scissor is suited to specific procedures and anatomical requirements.

What Are Surgical Scissors?

Surgical scissors are specialized cutting instruments made from high-quality stainless steel, designed for use in medical procedures. They come in various shapes and sizes, each tailored for different types of cuts and anatomical challenges. These scissors are designed to cut with precision while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues. The blades of surgical scissors can be straight or curved, with some scissors featuring specialized tips for different surgical applications.The main function of surgical scissors is to provide accurate, clean cuts that ensure minimal bleeding and tissue damage. Let’s dive deeper into the different types of surgical scissors and how they are used in the operating room.

Straight Surgical Scissors

Straight surgical scissors have blades that align in a straight line, offering a simple, direct cutting action. These scissors are commonly used in procedures where a straight incision is required, or where the surgeon has easy access to the tissue.

Curved Surgical Scissors

Curved surgical scissors have blades that are slightly bent, which allows for better access to curved anatomical structures or areas that are difficult to reach. The curvature of the blades makes these scissors ideal for cutting tissues in areas where a straight-line incision would be difficult to achieve.

Metzenbaum Scissors

Metzenbaum scissors are a specialized type of curved scissor known for their long, slender blades. These scissors are designed for cutting soft tissue with minimal trauma, and they are particularly useful in procedures that require detailed dissection.

Iris Scissors

Iris scissors are small, fine-tipped scissors designed for extremely delicate surgical procedures, particularly those in the field of ophthalmology. These scissors are named after the iris, the part of the eye they are often used to treat.

Common Uses of Iris Scissors:

• Performing eye surgeries such as cataract operations, retinal surgeries, or glaucoma procedures
• Cutting delicate tissues in microsurgical procedures, including neurosurgery or plastic surgery
• Trimming fine structures, such as the cornea or conjunctiva

Features: Iris scissors are characterized by their small, fine blades and sharp points. Their size and precision make them ideal for surgeries that involve intricate tissue handling in sensitive areas, such as the eyes.

Suture Scissors

Suture scissors are designed specifically for cutting sutures, making them an essential tool during the closing stages of a surgery. These scissors feature a unique design with a notch on one blade to help grip and secure the suture while cutting.

Common Uses of Suture Scissors:

• Cutting sutures after a wound or incision has been closed
• Removing stitches or other closure materials after a patient has healed
• Trimming excess suture material to prevent irritation

Features: Suture scissors are easily identifiable by their small notch or hook on one blade, which helps catch and hold the suture during cutting. The precision of these scissors ensures a clean cut without causing unnecessary damage to surrounding tissues.

Tenotomy Scissors

Tenotomy scissors are designed for cutting tendons and fibrous tissues during orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. These scissors typically have small, curved blades, which help in making precise cuts when working with tendons, muscles, or ligaments.

Common Uses of Tenotomy Scissors:

• Cutting tendons during orthopedic surgeries, such as tendon release or tendon transfer procedures
• Performing delicate dissection in surgeries involving muscles or ligaments
• Used in plastic and reconstructive surgeries to adjust or repair tendons

Features: Tenotomy scissors are small and finely tuned, with sharp, curved blades that make them suitable for the delicate nature of tendon surgery. Their design helps minimize trauma to surrounding structures during cutting.

Spencer Stitch Scissors

Spencer stitch scissors are specialized scissors used for cutting the sutures and stitches in difficult-to-reach areas, particularly in procedures involving deeper incisions. These scissors are designed with one blunt end to protect tissues from accidental cuts during use.

Bandage Scissors

Bandage scissors are designed specifically for cutting bandages, dressings, or other external wound coverings. They feature one blunt tip to protect the patient’s skin and ensure the scissors do not inadvertently cause injury.

Utility Scissors

Utility scissors are versatile cutting tools used for a wide range of general tasks in surgery. These scissors are particularly useful for cutting through medical supplies, such as gauze, drapes, or surgical tapes.