History & Development of Surgical Instruments

Medical historian John Kirkup argues that fingers, nails and the mouth were the earliest surgical tools, used by prehistoric humans to remove foreign objects from wounds. Surgical instruments have evolved over millennia, as humans have discovered new materials for tool making.

Prehistory

• Early humans used objects such as bones, ivory, bamboo and stones to remove thorns and arrowheads from wounds. Primitive stone knives, used for ritual surgeries such as circumcision and trepanation, appeared as early as 10,000 B.C.

Classical Age

• Classical surgeons used forceps, scalpels, speculums and other instruments made from iron, bronze or gold, which they believed had healing properties.

Scientific Revolution

• From the 17th century to the 19th century, new anatomical knowledge led to the development of tools with specialized functions, including bone drills and saws, lancets for bleeding and forceps. Steel and nickel-plated instruments became common.

20th Century

• Invented in the early 20th century, stainless steel made surgical instruments cleaner and safer. Rubber tubes and catheters emerged in the 1960s. More recent developments include the use of titanium and disposable blades.

Future

• Surgeons have already begun using the high-tech tools of the future, including lasers, water jets and computer-guided instruments.