Needle drivers(needle holders)
Tools used to hold suture needle while it is passed through tissue and to grasp suture while instrument knot tying. Retractors, used to spread open skin, ribs and other tissue
Tools for various purposes depending on the condition. Retractors can be used to expose incision openings, hold tissue back, or maintain operating areas. They can be categorized into either hand-held retractors or self-retaining ones (via a ratcheting mechanism) (e.g., Deaver retractor, Weitlaner retractor, Malleable Retractor). Distractors, positioners and stereotactic devices
Mechanical cutters (scalpels, lancets, trocars, Harmonic scalpel, rongeurs etc.) Dilators and specula, for access to narrow passages or incisions
Suction tips and tubes, for removal of bodily fluids
Tools used to remove secretion, debris, or any fluid in the surgical area. (e.g. Yankauer Suction Tube, Poole Suction Tube, Frazier Suction Tip)
Sealing devices, such as surgical staplers
Tools used for resection (Removing part of an organ), transaction (Cutting through and sealing organs and tissues), and anastomoses (Creating connections between structures). (e.g. linear stapler, linear cutter, clips)
Irrigation and injection needles, tips and tubes, for introducing fluid
Powered devices, such as cranial drills and dermatomes
Scopes and probes, including fiber optic endoscopes and tactile probes
Carriers and appliers for optical, electronic, and mechanical devices
Ultrasound tissue disruptors, cryotomes and cutting laser guides
Measurement devices, such as rulers and calipers
Energy systems tools are used to cut tissues or seal vesselsElectrosurgery is a modern technology that uses high frequency electrical current to cut or coagulate blood. Argon plasma coagulation involves the application of gas discharges in argon.
In the 19th century, Doyen abdominal retractors were invented by French surgeon Eugène-Louis Doyen. The doyen retractors are auto-static, self-retaining retractors that are used primarily in abdominal OB/GYN procedures. It facilitates the completion of difficult surgeries by providing improved exposure. In the late 19th century, Nicholas Senn, an early adopter of Listerism, felt that having a smooth surface on a surgical instrument was important to help to prevent infection. Thus, he developed what is now called the Senn retractor, a double-ended retractor with an end of three bent prongs that may be dull or sharp, and it was often used in plastic or vascular surgery procedures. The Weitlaner retractor, invented by Franz Weitlaner in 1905, is a self-retaining, finger ring retractor with a cam ratchet lock used for holding back tissue and exposing a surgical site that allows the surgeon to activate using a single hand. His invention inspired the invention of more retractors, such as Adson-Beckman retractors for general surgery and Chung retractors for orthopedic surgery. Forceps
Back in the 6th century BC, laboring caused a high mortality rate for both mothers and newborns due to the hours or days of the lasting delivery process. This problem led to the establishment of forceps-assisted delivery in the 16th century by the Chamberlen family. Forceps were later developed over several centuries by leading obstetricians of the time including James Simpson, Neville Barnes, and Christian Kielland. Michael Ellis DeBakey invented one of the most common and well-known DeBkey biceps.