Suture Forceps
Suture forceps are also known as needle holder forceps. As the name
suggests, these forceps are used to hold needles while suturing. These
forceps are important surgical instruments used to hold tissue for suturing
incisions or wounds.
Functioning of suture forceps
A normal needle holder forceps has two short, but blunt, serrated beaks with
a groove in each beak. The grooves help in providing space for the placement
and retention of the needle. There is a locking mechanism at the end of the
handles that securely held the suture needle in the correct position and the
needle looks like an extension of the needle holder. The insert in the tip
is usually of carbide steel and replaceable when required.
The pair of prongs on each arm fork of the forceps helps in holding tissue
taut while suturing a wound or incision. In addition, the prongs and the
cross member between them have graduation measures which help in getting
accurate approximation of needle insertion points so as to achieve uniform
suturing along the wound or incision.
Types of suture forceps
- Needleholder forceps – Locking: The lock on a suture
forceps is a convenient means for parking the needle and passing it
to the surgeon. The lock doesnot help in holding the needle while
suturing.
- Needleholder forceps – Non-locking
- Needleholder forceps - Double action: These forceps are
especially advantageous in situations where access to an operation
site is limited. The design is such that the width of the forceps is
far less than those of comparable standard needle holder forceps .
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Needle holders forceps with the designation "C" are
designed by Castroviejo and are fine, flat handle needle holders. The
designation "B" in such forceps represent round handle needle
holders which were introduced by Barraquer.
Importance of suture forceps
Suture forceps have stronger tips than than standard microsurgical forceps.
While the stronger tips in these forceps help to bear the higher pressure
with less bending, sharp edges and rough spots are excluded as they can
damage sutures.
