A brief introduction to suture scissors

Different types are available for suture scissors such as curved, flat, and bent variations that are chosen based on surgical requirements. There are also different types of veterinary suture removal scissors including Northbent stitch scissors, Littauer Stitch scissors, Health suture scissors, Spencer stitch scissors, and many others.

Design of suture scissors

There are two blades of suture scissors that possess serrations. The lower blade of this instrument is generally sharper and has a greater length and curved tip. The lower side of the blade slides under the stitches during surgeries.

The lower blade does not hurt the wound site or the skin due to its ergonomic design. The upper blade of suture scissors is usually shorter in length and while meeting the lower blade, this one is strong enough to cut the sutures.

Uses and features

·        Apart from cutting the sewed wound stitches, these scissors are also used to take the size of suture threads according to one's requirement.

·        It can be used before suture removal for debriding the wound

·        Surgeons use this instrument massively to sew the skin cuts and for external surgeries

·        Suture scissors are made up of surgical-grade stainless steel. Some of the variants also comprise tungsten carbide inserts in them.

·        The thumb rings design provides a secure and firm grip to the hands and allows smooth and fatigue-free removal of sutures as well as tissue cutting.

·        They are usually available in straight, angled, and curved variations

·        They are also available in color-coated variations to be identified by surgeons easily

·        The length of these scissors usually ranges from 3 1/2" to 5 ½"

Types and variations

Depending on the surgical requirements, these scissors are available in straight, angled, and curved variations. There are multiple types of variations available for suture scissors. Some of the commonly used are:

·        Spencer stitch scissors- most commonly used suture cutting scissors and comes in 02 variations

·        Standard stitch scissors- have a versatile nature and prevent damage to the wound or skin during the surgical procedure. There are 05 variations available for this type.

·        Littauer scissors-comprises of delicate patterns on the lower blade and possess high tensile strength in general. The ergonomic design of this variant assists to trim tissues, barriers, and granulation

·        Westcoat stitch scissors- are widely used in ophthalmic surgeries and are famous for being a versatile surgical instrument. Surgeons prefer this tool for removing eyelid stitches. It also helps in post-operative management.

·        Stitch suture removal scissors- this type of suture scissors is ideally used for cutting heavy structures. This tool comprises curved patterns on its bottom blade

·        Straight Mayo scissors- used in different veterinary procedures to dissect tissues and cut sutures. It comprises straight and sharp blades with a heavy structure

Working with suture scissors

·        Suture scissors are extremely sharp surgical instruments with tips that must be handled with utmost care and professionalism.

·        One should have proper knowledge of these scissors before using them as misuse can lead to damage caused to a person's wound or skin.

·        One should avoid touching the tip with a wound or skin directly.

·        Also, one should not hold scissors with their middle or index finger or thumb as it will cause less control over the instrument.

·        This instrument should only be used for the specified purpose i.e. cutting tissues, sutures, vessels, etc, and shouldn't be used for cutting paper, wood, or any other metal, etc.

·        After use, this instrument should be cleared out of any bacteria or infectious disease by putting it in a sterile solution

Precautions

·        It is important to inspect, clean, and sterilize surgical instruments before first use and every re-use.

·        While reprocessing the instruments, it is important to handle them with care wearing proper personal equipment gear.

·        Disinfection agents containing mercury, chloride, active chlorine, iodide, iodine, and bromine should not be used as they are corrosive. These agents may disrupt the functioning of the instrument

·        Do not soak your instruments in hot water, disinfectants, antiseptics, or alcohol to avoid the coagulation of blood, mucus, or other body fluids

·        Do not use abrasive detergents, wire brushes or pipe cleaners, steel wool, etc.

·        Do not use products with high alkaline and high acidic potency for disinfection.

Storage of instruments

After proper sterilization, the instruments need to be kept under environmentally controlled conditions. They must be stored in a way that the products are protected from condensation, excessive humidity, contamination by moisture, excessive air pressure, dust/dirt, etc.

Material

The material of suture scissors is tough, robust, and durable as they are made up of high medical-grade German stainless steel. The instrument is autoclavable, sterilizable, and can withstand environmental changes by remaining corrosion-resistant. The tungsten carbide inserts are also present in some versions that enhance the durability and sharpness of the cutting-edge blade.

Wrap up

Suture scissors are essential surgical instruments primarily used for suturing procedures. We at Acheron instruments offer a premium range of suture scissors with multiple variations and lengths designed explicitly for removing sutures. Our products are manufactured with high-grade German stainless steel that increases the longevity of the product and enhances its durability. You can contact us for any queries or assistance.