Surgical Instruments FAQ

Q – What are surgical instruments made from?

A – The majority of surgical instruments are manufactured from martensitic stainless steel. This has elements such as Chromium, which oxidises and gives corrosion resistance. Carbon in the stainless steel, allows it to be hardened and to maintain the edges on surgical scissors and be hard enough to ensure they do not bend during surgery.

Q – What are the popular surgical instruments?

A – Popular surgical instruments are scissors, artery forceps, needle holders, dissecting forceps, dressing scissors, dressing forceps and retractors. There are a wide range of names that are generally attributed to the surgeon that invented them or the nature of procedure in which they are used. Once of the oldest being from the late 1800s the Spencer Wells forceps.

Q – What makes a high quality surgical instrument?

A – It is hard to give an overall definition and a couple of the points considered may be; the material used should be fit for purpose; I.e generally in the UK this would be to BS 5194 which recommends stainless steels for use for surgical instruments. It should have no sharp edges or burrs, other than those for the instrument use. it should be able to pass any industry tests, such as those defined in the British standard BS 5194. For example with scissors, they are requested to cut test pieces.

Q – How should surgical instruments be cleaned?

A – Surgical instruments should be cleaned in line with the manufacturers recommendations in Europe, as per the Medical Device Directive. Typically, this is either automated or manual cleaning in a washer disinfector and then sterilising in an autoclave.

Q – Should surgical instruments be lubricated?

A – Manufacturers instructions should be followed. On articulated joints, lubrication can prevent metal on metal wear so is generally recommended.

Q – What are laparoscopic surgical instruments?

A – Laparoscopic instruments are used in some areas of surgery that are considered to be minimally invasive. this involves making small incisions in the patient and working with the aid of a scope, to visualise the area inside the patient. it is often known as keyhole surgery.

Q – Should surgical instruments be CE marked?

A – Yes, although they are only Class I (lowest risk medical device), they must be CE marked on the packaging and where possible the device itself.