All S&T products must be used exclusively for their intended purpose.

Throughout the catalog, we have included information concerning the appropriate use of each instrument. Here are important factors to keep in mind when determining the instrument that best suits your needs:

Instrument Length

It's important to consider the length of the instrument, giving careful consideration to the depth of the surgical field within which you will be working. For example, instruments 11 centimeters in length can only be used comfortably on, or very near the surface. Each additional centimeter of the instrument enables you to work that much deeper. Our longest instruments are designed for procedures that involve deep surgical fields, or in areas where it's not practical to use shorter instruments. Personal preference may also be a consideration as surgeons with larger hands may feel more comfortable using longer instruments.
In general, instruments that are 15cm or shorter are commonly used for hand surgery, while instruments 18cm or longer are typically used in procedures involving free tissue transfer, (free flaps).

Round or Flat Handle?

We generally recommend the use of round handle needle holders and scissors. Round handle instruments facilitate the rotating movement needed when using a needle holder for passing sutures through tissues. It has been our observation that most surgeons prefer the feel of round handle instruments.

Flat handle, Jewelers-type forceps are the preferred style for both forceps and dilators. Read on to learn more about a full range of flat handle instruments within this catalog.

Advantages of Balanced Instruments

Balanced instruments are designed to put the center of gravity (the balance point) in the web space between the thumb and index finger. This is accomplished by adding a slight counter weight to the proximal end of the instrument. The design of balanced instruments enhances tactile feel, aiding in better control and precision. Balanced instruments are less tiring to handle, especially during lengthy procedures. Also, the round handle balanced instruments have better handling characteristics than the standard (non-balanced) round handle instruments.

Angulated and Curved Forceps

Many instruments are angulated or curved, giving you a grip that is parallel/perpendicular to the working surface, depending on the object you are handling. While most surgeons are comfortable with our standard 45º or 36º angles, others may prefer the flexibility and curvature of an instrument that conforms to any hand position. Curved forceps are designed to facilitate needle driving or passage through tissue. Straight forceps are commonly held in the non-dominant hand and are used to either grasp tissue or receive the needle when suturing.

Instrument Sets

In response to our customers' needs, we have developed sets of instruments made up of the most commonly used micro-surgical instruments. These sets are available in both round and flat handle version.