Equipment

Needle Holder

• Sometimes called a “Needle Driver”
• Used to push or manipulate the suture needle during a suturing procedure
• There are different configurations of needle holder, but the most common is the “Finger Grip” style with the ratchet locking mechanism (pictured right), very similar to hemostats.
• The jaws of needle holders are often reinforced with Tungsten Carbide for enhanced grip and increased durability

Forceps

• Sometimes called “Pick-ups”
• Can be toothed or non-toothed
• Used primarily to grab tissue during suturing and to manipulate objects during the procedure
• There are many types of forceps, the ones preferred for suturing are called Adson Forceps which are toothed at the tip for grabbing tissue
• On the Adson Forceps (pictured right), the number of teeth and configuration of the teeth can vary
• Adson-Brown Forceps have multiple teeth and are usually used for more delicate tissue

Scissors

• Come in lots of different shapes, sizes, and configurations depending on the procedure
• Used primarily for cutting sutures