Introduction to Operation Theatre (OT) Instruments
Designed for quick reference and easy study
1. Overview of OT Instruments
| Category |
Primary Purpose |
Typical Materials |
| Cutting & Dissecting |
Incise tissue, separate structures |
Stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium |
| Grasping & Holding |
Secure tissue, maintain exposure |
Hardened steel, sometimes coated with silicone |
| Clamping & Occluding |
Control bleeding, seal vessels |
Stainless steel with locking mechanisms |
| Retracting |
Hold back edges of incisions |
Stainless steel, sometimes with ergonomic handles |
| Suturing & Knot‑tying |
Approximate tissue, close wounds |
Fine‑grade steel, sometimes with polymer tips |
| Specialty / Diagnostic |
Specific procedures (e.g., orthopedic, neurosurgery) |
Varies – often alloyed metals, ceramics, or optics |
2. Classification by Function
2.1 Cutting & Dissecting Instruments
| Instrument |
Key Features |
Common Uses |
| Scalpel |
Straight or curved blade, detachable |
Skin incisions, precise cuts |
| Scissors (Mayo, Metzenbaum, Iris) |
Blunt/sharp tips, angled blades |
Tissue dissection, suturing material |
| Surgical Knife (e.g., Beaver‑blade) |
Long, thin blade, often reusable |
Deep or extensive cuts |
| Bone Saw |
Fine toothed or oscillating |
Orthopedic bone cuts |
| Rongeur |
Heavy‑duty, sharp jaws |
Bone removal, cartilage excision |
2.2 Grasping & Holding Instruments
| Instrument |
Key Features |
Typical Indications |
| Tissue Forceps (Adson, Gerald) |
Ratchet lock, fine tips |
Delicate tissue handling |
| Hemostatic Forceps (Kelly, Crile) |
Serrated jaws, locking |
Vessel clamping |
| Allis Clamp |
Interlocking teeth, curved |
Grasping heavy tissue (e.g., bowel) |
| Babcock Forceps |
Fenestrated jaws |
Grasping delicate structures (e.g., ovaries) |
| Kocher Forceps |
Rigid, serrated jaws |
Grasping tough tissue (e.g., fascia) |
2.3 Clamping & Occluding Instruments
| Instrument |
Design Highlights |
Typical Application |
| Hemostats (Mosquito, Kelly) |
Short, spring‑loaded, locking |
Small vessel control |
| Vessel Loops |
Elastic silicone, no metal |
Temporary vessel retraction |
| Atraumatic Clamps (e.g., Bulldog) |
Smooth jaws, pressure‑controlled |
Vascular or nerve protection |
2.4 Retracting Instruments
| Instrument |
Shape / Length |
Use Cases |
| Hand‑Held Retractors (Richardson, Army-Navy) |
Straight, curved, or angled |
Small‑field exposure |
| Self‑Retaining Retractors (Weitlaner, Bookwalter, Balfour) |
Ratchet‑locked blades |
Large incisions, orthopedic or abdominal surgery |
| Surgical Rake Retractor |
Multiple teeth |
Deep cavity exposure (e.g., spine) |
2.5 Suturing & Knot‑tying Instruments
| Instrument |
Feature |
Typical Role |
| Needle Holders (Mayo, Crile) |
Locking jaws |
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