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Surgery in the Middle Ages

It’s hard to imagine that surgery wasn’t always the prestigious profession it is today. But, in medieval Europe, physicians didn’t practice surgery, because such things were handled by lesser men… or even by women. Often, the local barber took care of minor surgeries. He would travel from town to town, and you could stop in to get a haircut and shave, and at the same time get a tooth pulled or have a minor surgery.

In the 1500s, women were prohibited from becoming physicians but were allowed to practice surgery. It was an occupation they learned by apprenticeship, and they often used it to serve the poor. During the 1700s, as the profession advanced and higher learning was required, women were barred from practicing surgery, because they were also excluded from universities where the skills were taught. Thankfully, the world has changed!

Modern Medicine

Life science research through the centuries has led us to this age of modern...more

Surgical forceps or surgical tweezers are common surgical instruments, but there's a large variety of tweezers to choose from. In general forceps can be grouped as thumb forceps (frequently called surgical tweezers, gripping forceps, non-locking forceps or pinning forceps) or ring forceps (also called hemostats, hemostatic forceps and locking forceps).  Thumb forceps are spring forceps used by compression between your thumb and forefinger and are used for grasping, holding or manipulating tissue or objects. They are non-ratchet style. Hemostatic forceps are hinged forceps that look more like scissors with ring handles. Focusing on thumb forceps, they can be further categorized as tissue forceps and dressing forceps. Let's explore the differences between tissue forceps and dressing forceps for surgical applications and research laboratories.

Tissue Forceps

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When you are selecting surgical instruments for a procedure, here are a few key points to consider

• What procedure are you performing? Published research papers usually indicate which instruments other researchers have used for similar procedures. The correct surgical instrument for a particular procedure makes a difference on the outcome of that technique.
• What is the size of your subject? An instrument that is perfect for a 200­–300 g rat (about 22–25 cm long) may not be the best choice for a neo-natal mouse of about 15 g (about 1–2.5 cm long).
• How often will the instrument be used? If you perform more than 100 cuts per day, a pair of titanium scissors or a pair of scissors with tungsten carbide inserts would be worth considering. They stay sharp longer.

In this article we will consider some of...more

Surgical forceps have been used in various forms from ancient times and have evolved into a indispensable instrument for modern surgeries. Forceps are surgical instruments for the practice of medicine which are used for grasping, holding, and manipulating tissues and objects during surgical procedures...more

Hemostatic forceps, hemostats, are used primarily to control bleeding during surgical procedures, and they are also used for a variety of other applications. Most hemostatic forceps have ring handles and a ratchet-style, locking mechanism to adjust the tension on the forceps and to keep the jaws clamped in place, maintaining constant pressure on the tissue or blood vessel being occluded. They also have jaws with interlocking serrations or teeth for a secure grip on tissues. The tips of hemostats are often narrow and delicate, allowing for precise manipulation of tissues and vessels. They vary in size, tip shape, type of metal, and function. Here are some applications for which hemostatic forceps are uniquely designed...more

Needle holders, also known as a needle drivers. They are used in wound closure, ligation, reanastomosis and other surgical procedures which require suturing. The needle is usually held in position by a clamp mechanism, which allows the operator to manipulate the needle through various tissues. The jaws are generally textured and short in comparison to the shank to retain a solid grasp on the needle.

Metzenbaum and Mayo scissors are both types of surgical scissors, and while they may look similar at first glance, they serve different purposes. Let’s look at the differences between the two scissors styles...more

Surgical forceps are available in several different grades, including disposable, standard stainless steel, German steel, Swiss made, and titanium. Your choice of instrument grade will depend on your requirements and your budget. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision...more

Surgical forceps and surgical tweezers are handheld surgical instruments for grasping or clamping, but they serve different purposes and have distinct features. While both are used for manipulating small objects, forceps are typically used in medical and research environments, and tweezers have a broader use in hobbies, daily routine tasks, and mechanical applications. Here we will explore some of the differences between the two, including their construction and uses...more

Dumont is a well-known brand that specializes in the production of high-quality precision forceps and tweezers for surgical and scientific use, as well as for electronics, jewelry, and other  applications. Dumont surgical instruments, particularly Dumont tweezers, are highly regarded for their precision, craftsmanship, and durability...more

Let’s take a look at how to set up a Digital Rat/Mouse, Neonatal Rat Stereotaxic frame. In a few steps you will be up and running...more

The adhesive you select will depend largely on your biomedical research laboratory application. If you are building electrodes, you might use a silver-filled, conductive epoxy to connect a Ag/AgCl pellet. For instantaneous bonding when mounting a rodent brain slice, you might select an ethyl cyanoacrylate. When you are looking for a low toxicity adhesive with some elasticity and good moisture resistance, a silicone adhesive is the option of choice. When used with living tissue, an adhesive must be:...more

Sapphire Blades are a precise and durable solution for use in microsurgery, dissection, and related applications.

The PSMB5N Surgical Microscope has a motorized focusing system that allows for hands free operation. It is lightweight, compact and easy to maneuver. Dual bulbs prevent illumination failure during surgery. It has an optional video adapter and five magnification steps. This video shows you how to assemble your microscope.

Safety is a primary concern when setting up equipment. Here are a few pointers.

• This setup requires open space to work in.
• Be sure to remove the packing materials as soon as you unpack your boxes.
• Watch your hands when you are using a box cutter.
• The articulating arm is spring loaded. Be sure to release the tension on it in a controlled manner.
• Be sure to remove all parts from the boxes before you throw the...more

Microscopes are a standard laboratory tool, but purchasing the right microscope for a particular application can be a challenge. First, consider how you will use the instrument. Are you looking at slides, dissecting a small animal or performing a surgery? (The application dictates the necessary working distance and power of magnification.) What kind of a stand will you be using? (Boom stand, articulating arm or post stand) Will the microscope be used in a classroom setting? (A trinocular scope offers the option of including a camera.) Will you need a camera? (A camera allows you to project the microscope...more