Surgical instrument glossary: A to Z

Short answer: This glossary explains the most common surgical instrument terms in plain words, from instrument names to manufacturing, reprocessing and regulatory terms. Use it as a quick reference.

Most searched terms

• Box lock: Joint of ring-handled instruments
• Ratchet: Locking teeth near the rings
• Serrations: Grooves on jaws
• Tungsten carbide: Hard insert material
• Passivation: Corrosion-resistance treatment
• UDI: Unique device identifier

A to E

• A0 value: measure of thermal disinfection.
• Adson forceps: small fine forceps for skin.
• Allis forceps: ring-handled forceps with teeth for firm grip.
• Atraumatic: designed to minimise tissue damage.
• Autoclave: steam steriliser.
• Babcock forceps: gentle grasping forceps for delicate tissue.
• Box lock: joint where two halves cross.
• Castroviejo: spring-handled micro needle holder.
• CE marking: EU conformity mark.
• Crile forceps: fully serrated hemostat.
• Curette: instrument for scraping.
• DeBakey forceps: atraumatic forceps for vessels.
• Dilator: instrument to widen an opening.
• Elevator: instrument to lift tissue or loosen teeth.

F to M

• Forceps: grasping instrument.
• Golden sample: approved reference sample.
• Hemostat: clamp to control bleeding.
• IFU: instructions for use.
• ISO 13485: medical device quality standard.
• Kelly forceps: hemostat with serrations on the tip half.
• Kocher forceps: clamp with teeth at the tip.
• Luxator: thin dental instrument to cut tooth ligament.
• Mayo scissors: strong surgical scissors.
• Mayo-Hegar: standard needle holder.
• Metzenbaum scissors: fine dissecting scissors.
• Mosquito forceps: small fine hemostat.

N to S

• Needle holder: instrument that grips suture needles.
• Notified body: EU body that certifies certain devices.
• OEM: product made to a buyer’s design.
• Passivation: treatment improving corrosion resistance.
• Private label: product sold under the buyer’s brand.
• Ratchet: locking teeth near the rings.
• Retractor: instrument to hold tissue back.
• Rongeur: biting bone instrument.
• Scalpel: cutting instrument with blade.
• Senn retractor: small double-ended retractor.
• Serrations: grooves on jaws for grip.
• Speculum: instrument to open a body cavity.

T to Z

• Tenaculum: forceps to hold the cervix.
• Thumb forceps: tweezer-style forceps.
• Tungsten carbide: very hard insert material.
• UDI: unique device identifier.
• Ultrasonic cleaner: cleaner using sound waves.
• Washer-disinfector: automated cleaning machine.
• Weitlaner: self-retaining retractor.

Using this glossary

1. Find the term
2. Read the plain-word meaning
3. Follow the related guide
4. Ask us if anything is unclear

Proof box

Proof: Terms follow standard usage in instrument catalogues, ISO standards and reprocessing guidance referenced throughout this series.

Key takeaways

• Learn the core terms
• Use names and codes when ordering
• Refer back to the complete guides

Standards and sources

• Related: instrument names and uses (see Surgical instrument names and uses: the complete reference guide), ISO standards (see ISO standards for surgical instruments: the complete guide)

Questions?

Ask Tata Surgical.