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Scissors

A variety of scissors are available and are used for sharp dissection and cutting different tissues, sutures and prostheses. Inappropriate choice of scissors may lead to damage to tissues or to the scissors themselves.

Metzenbaum

Fine scissors used for general sharp dissection. Available in varying lengths.

Mayo curved

Heavy curved scissors favoured by some for general abdominal dissection.

Mayo straight

Heavy straight scissors typically used to cut sutures and prosthetic materials rather than for dissection.

Pott's

Fine sharp straight scissors used for arteriotomies in vascular and cardiac surgery. Also appropriate for other delicate tubular structures such as the bile duct and ureter. Typically a sharp blade is used to make the initial incision (No 11 or 15) which is then extended with the scissors. These scissors are available in various sizes and with the jays angled to a variable extent including a reverse cutting version.

Nurse's

Heavy short straight scissors often used on the ward for cutting dressings and tapes.

Tenotomy

Fine small scissors used for dissection of delicate structures. Often used in plastic and hand surgery.

Curved iris

Fine, sharp pointed scissors used for delicate, fine dissection and designed to make small, accurate cuts.

Straight iris

Fine, sharp pointed scissors used for delicate, fine dissection and designed to make small, accurate cuts.