NEW INSTRUMENT
Sliding Lock Modification of Standard Tissue Forceps Donald W. Smlth, MD, Miami, Florida
The sliding lock modification of the standard tissue forceps, as presented herein, has converted the most commonly used surgical instrument into one of even greater diversity. The tissue, or thumb, forceps, which is the standard left hand instrument, now performs many additional functions. After locking onto a structure, it may conveniently be held or passed to the assistant for retraction. In grasping a bleeding vessel, it may be locked and the vessel tied without transfer to a clamp or hemostat, thus saving time and instrument handling. The sliding rather than ratchet lock permits either a tender or almost crushing grasp. In holding tissues for suture, this is an advantage. It also may be used to grasp firmly, lock, and retrieve a needle placed deep in the abdomen or pelvis for suture ligature. In dissecting a chronically infected and badly adherent gallbladder from adjacent structures and in exploring the duct system, this instrument has proved quite useful. It minimizes the frequent change of instruments and the presence of additional hands in the field. In hiatal hernia repair, it can be used to grasp and hold the crus for suture, avoiding the more cumbersome ring-handled forceps and permitting better exposure. In stomach and colon surgery, particularly low anterior resections and many pelvic procedures, it is simple and convenient. In handling, this instrument feels like the standard dissecting forceps. It is smooth and free of projections and does not snare or entangle suture material. The serrated sliding thumb depression is exactly positioned for natural hold and balance. (Figure 1.) The lock slides easily and holds its position at the tension desired without slipping. As the forceps is closed, the notched pin on the bottom blade passes through the hole in the opposite blade and is secured at the tension desired as the wedge lock is advanced or retracted. Reprint requests should be addressed to Donald W. Smith, MD. 25 SE. Second Avenue, 430 lngraham Building,Mimi. Florida 33131.
392
Figure 1. Sliding kck modifkatkn forceps.
of the standard tissue
I have used this instrument in all abdominal and pelvic surgery for many months and now find it almost indispensable in major procedures. It was developed for me and supplied by V. Mueller, Chicago, Illinois, whose kind cooperation and assistance I acknowledge. Summary This report describes a modification of the standard thumb forceps to provide a simple locking mechanism. This increases its usefulness in many surgical procedures. Certain advantages are presented and the instrument is illustrated and described.
The American Journal of Surgary
Sliding Lock Modification of Standard Tissue Forceps Donald W. Smlth, MD, Miami, Florida
The sliding lock modification of the standard tissue forceps, as presented herein, has converted the most commonly used surgical instrument into one of even greater diversity. The tissue, or thumb, forceps, which is the standard left hand instrument, now performs many additional functions. After locking onto a structure, it may conveniently be held or passed to the assistant for retraction. In grasping a bleeding vessel, it may be locked and the vessel tied without transfer to a clamp or hemostat, thus saving time and instrument handling. The sliding rather than ratchet lock permits either a tender or almost crushing grasp. In holding tissues for suture, this is an advantage. It also may be used to grasp firmly, lock, and retrieve a needle placed deep in the abdomen or pelvis for suture ligature. In dissecting a chronically infected and badly adherent gallbladder from adjacent structures and in exploring the duct system, this instrument has proved quite useful. It minimizes the frequent change of instruments and the presence of additional hands in the field. In hiatal hernia repair, it can be used to grasp and hold the crus for suture, avoiding the more cumbersome ring-handled forceps and permitting better exposure. In stomach and colon surgery, particularly low anterior resections and many pelvic procedures, it is simple and convenient. In handling, this instrument feels like the standard dissecting forceps. It is smooth and free of projections and does not snare or entangle suture material. The serrated sliding thumb depression is exactly positioned for natural hold and balance. (Figure 1.) The lock slides easily and holds its position at the tension desired without slipping. As the forceps is closed, the notched pin on the bottom blade passes through the hole in the opposite blade and is secured at the tension desired as the wedge lock is advanced or retracted. Reprint requests should be addressed to Donald W. Smith, MD. 25 SE. Second Avenue, 430 lngraham Building,Mimi. Florida 33131.
392
Figure 1. Sliding kck modifkatkn forceps.
of the standard tissue
I have used this instrument in all abdominal and pelvic surgery for many months and now find it almost indispensable in major procedures. It was developed for me and supplied by V. Mueller, Chicago, Illinois, whose kind cooperation and assistance I acknowledge. Summary This report describes a modification of the standard thumb forceps to provide a simple locking mechanism. This increases its usefulness in many surgical procedures. Certain advantages are presented and the instrument is illustrated and described.
The American Journal of Surgary
