There is no limitation to gaining knowledge. Especially, when it comes to handling surgical instruments, one must be very cautious and properly trained. This is because a single mistake while performing surgery could lead to harmful consequences. One of the most important tools used in operating rooms is needle drivers that is commonly useful in suturing procedures. Despite its enormous surgical benefits, handling this tool requires a proper technique that may not be as simple as you think. If you are a healthcare practitioner who wants to learn how to hold a needle driver, this blog is for you!
What is a needle driver?
A needle driver also known as a needle holder is an essential tool of operating room toolkits. This incredible instrument is tremendously useful in suturing procedures to hold suture needles. Moreover, it reduces the slippage of needles by firmly grasping them with their specialized design and ratchet locking mechanism. Thus, allowing surgeons to easily reach the areas that are hard to access during surgical procedures.
There are different types of needle drivers available and each one has its specific function. Most of them come in different lengths, sizes, and patterns to suit different surgical applications. Some commonly used needle drivers include:
- Mayo Hegar needle holder
- Adson needle holder
- Cooley needle holder
- Derf needle holder
- Castroviejo needle holder
The main features of needle driver
Even though all needle holders have different patterns and functionality. Here are a few basic components that every needle holder has:
- Shanks
- Jaws
- Joints
- Ratchet lock mechanism
- Finger ring handles
The jaws of needle drivers come in different widths ranging from narrow to thick and are situated at the end of the fulcrum. Also, the configuration of the jaws can be curved or straight. Moreover, the jaws can be serrated or smooth depending on the specific purpose. Some variations of this instrument also come with tungsten carbide inserts that eventually enhance control and precision during surgical procedures.
The Significance of Proper Needle Driver Technique
Whether you have to stitch a wound or perform intricate surgical tasks, the proper handling of the needle driver is essential for successful outcomes. The significance of mastering this technique lies in the ability to control the needle's movement, create precise sutures, and accurately pass it through tissues.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Hold a Needle Driver
Selecting the Right Needle Driver:
Before delving into the technique, it's essential to choose the appropriate needle driver for the specific procedure. There are different types of needle drivers available such as Adson needle holders, Castroviejo needle holders Mayo Hegar needle holders, etc. Also, different needle drivers have varying features and designs, so selecting the right one is the first and foremost step as it ensures optimal performance.
Hand Positioning:
Begin by adopting a comfortable, ergonomic, and appropriate hand position. Hold the needle driver with your dominant hand, using a precision grip similar to holding a pencil or pen. Also, keep your fingers relaxed but in a controlled position. This way you can maintain a gentle yet firm grip on the instrument.
Thumb Placement:
Position your thumb on one jaw of the needle driver. This will ensure that it rests against the flat side of the jaw for stability. Thereby, serving as the pivot point for controlled movement.
Finger Placement:
To control the opposite jaw of the needle driver, you have to use your index and middle fingers. Also, the tips of your fingers should rest on the textured surface of the jaw. This allows for an enhanced and better grip and manipulation.
Controlled Movement:
Gently squeeze the handles of the needle driver and practice controlled movements. This should result in the jaws closing precisely and smoothly. Do not use excessive force, as this can lead to unintended tissue damage or loss of control. Also, if too much pressure is exerted on the grasping tip, there is a greater possibility that the needle driver can bend or deform the body of the suture needle.
Needle Grasping Technique:
Position the needle near the tip of the jaws while grasping it for better control. Also, hold the surgical needle at a slight angle to allow for a controlled and smooth passage through tissues. Different kinds of needle holders demand different techniques for holding. This is so because some needle holders have a scissor-like design with finger rings and others have a spring mechanism and are tweezer-like in shape. Here are a few techniques you can use:
Tripod grip (correct technique): This technique involves placing the ring fingers and thumb in the ring handle of the needle driver. This technique is also referred to as ‘thumb and ring finger grip’ and is mostly preferred by surgeons.
Tripod grip (incorrect technique): For a tripod grip, it is advisable to use the thumb ring finger to grasp the tool. Using the index or middle finger is not recommended, as it reduces control and precision.
Palm grip: The palming needle driver technique involves holding the tool in the palm of the hand without threading any fingers through the rings.
Pencil grip: As the name indicates, this technique follows the gripping action just like holding a pencil with your fingers. You can use this technique for managing microvascular needle drivers, such as the Castroviejo model.
Fine-Tuning Grip Pressure:
You need to fine-tune your grip pressure if you want to master the art of holding a needle driver. Moreover, a delicate touch is crucial for precision, and understanding the nuances of grip control will boost your ability to perform intricate procedures.
Practice and Familiarization:
Like any skill, mastering the technique of holding a needle driver requires practice. Spend time familiarizing yourself with various needle driver models, and practice on simulated tissues or models to refine your precision and control.
Conclusion
We have briefly explained how to hold a needle driver in this blog. If you are a healthcare practitioner who puts their best effort into great surgical outcomes, mastering the technique of holding a needle driver is a fundamental skill you need to learn. This is so because the need for a needle driver is obligatory in almost every kind of surgical procedure. Also, by mastering this skill, you will be able to boost your surgical performance with precision and confidence.
Also, the art of holding a needle driver is a continuous learning process. Those who invest time in learning this skill will undoubtedly contribute to the success of surgical interventions and patient outcomes.
Looking for the best needle drivers?
Finding the best quality needle holders/needle drivers is a primary concern for every healthcare professional just like other medical equipment. However, selecting a reliable manufacturer can be tricky.
Fret not, we got you covered with the best quality needle drivers that would be your ideal choice. How? Because we manufacture our surgical tools from premium-grade German stainless steel material. Also, the high-quality material makes our tools easily sterilizable robust, durable, and reliable in the long run.
We have had well-reputed surgical instrument manufacturers and suppliers for the past few years. Moreover, we make our best efforts to adhere to our customer’s requirements and also offer customization of surgical instruments.
