Types of Forceps

Forceps are one of the most important tools in surgery and other medical procedures. A wide range of forceps serve different yet important purposes.

Basic Classifications

• One category of forceps is designed for use on adults, and another category is for use on children and infants. Forceps are also sometimes referred to as hemostats.

Pediatric Forceps

• Pediatric forceps are small and lightweight. They are extremely sensitive to touch and allow the surgeon to perform tiny controlled movements necessary when operating on small children and infants.

Surgical Forceps

• The main types of forceps used in adult surgery are bone holding forceps, artery forceps, and tissue forceps (also called Allis and Adson forceps).

Specialized Forceps

• Ear and ocular forceps are specialized types of forceps. Ear forceps allow surgeons to safely and accurately manipulate the delicate tissues of the inner ear. Ocular forceps are designed for holding, moving and lifting the eyeball and surrounding tissues.

Delivery Forceps

• Forceps are also used to by obstetricians to assist in the delivery of infants. Because of risks involved, delivery forceps are typically only used in emergency situations when cesarean section is not possible.

Fun Fact

• A well-known manufacturer of artery forceps used by cardiac surgeons is Wertheim-Cullen, along with Providence Hospital and Hartmann.