Surgical scissors are typically made of stainless steel. The working ends may also have tungsten carbide inserts for added durability.
However, repeated usage can dull scissors by rounding and tinting their blade edges, leading to bluntness.
So, it is essential to maintain and sharpen these instruments carefully.
This post will discuss the maintenance of surgical scissors to keep them sharp.
Top 7 Crucial Tips for Surgical Scissors Care
Surgical scissors are crucial tools in the medical field, and their sharpness is vital for successful surgeries.
Here are the top 7 essential tips for surgical scissors care:
Proper Handling
It is recommended to handle surgical scissors carefully and avoid dropping or hitting them against any hard surface.
Hold the scissors firmly in one hand (your left hand if you are right-handed, and vice versa), with the back of one blade resting on the end of your index finger and the cutting surface visible.
Cleaning
To keep your scissors clean, use a soft cloth or brush, and use a detergent solution after each use so you can ensure that they remain in top condition.
To finish, rinse them thoroughly with water and dry them using a soft towel.
With these simple steps, you can keep your scissors looking and performing like new.
Sterilization
Sterilizing the scissors both before and after every use is essential.
This can be done by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
It helps ensure a safe and hygienic environment for yourself and your patients.
Lubrication
It is essential to prevent rusting and ensure smooth movement. Applying a few drops of lubricant to the joints and blades is a quick and easy way.
Don’t let rusty, sticky scissors ruin your subsequent surgery.
Storage
It is essential to store surgical scissors in a dry and clean location, away from moisture and corrosives. This simple practice will ensure that your scissors remain helpful for a long and won’t get damaged easily.
Inspection
Regular inspection of scissors is essential to ensure longevity and efficiency. Pay attention to any signs of damage or rust, no matter how small they appear.
It’s best to replace scissors as soon as you notice any signs of deterioration to maintain their quality and performance.
Sharpening the Scissors
To sharpen surgical scissors, such as Mayo scissors, you must remove a thin layer from the cutting surface to create a new cutting edge.
You can use a small, fine triangular file to achieve this. It is worth noting that for optimal results, a triangular sharpening stone should be used.
You can apply a few drops of sewing machine oil on the sharpening stone to achieve the smoothest possible surface. To sharpen scissors correctly, use a file or sharpening tool along the cutting edge rather than on the inner surface.
By following these tips, you can maintain the sharpness and longevity of your surgical scissors, such as Iris or Mayo scissors, and ensure successful surgeries.
How to Fixing The Loose Joint of Surgical Scissors
The specific reason why scissors may not cut adequately is an un-tight joint.
Loose screws or rivets can cause the cutting surfaces not to touch each other, resulting in tissue being clasped instead of cut.
If you’re looking to fix a loose joint, there are a few things you can try.
- To tighten a loose joint in scissors, place them on a flat, hard surface and close them so the blades overlap.
- If the joint has a screw, tighten it.
- Placing the pin punch tip precisely on the rivet head is essential to ensure a secure rivet joint. For maximum effectiveness, remember to keep the punch perpendicular to the scissors.
- With a gentle tap on the top of the pin punch using a small hammer, you can ensure the job is done with accuracy and finesse.
Take your time, be deliberate, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.
Remember to test the scissors after every hit to ensure they don’t become too tight.
In Conclusion
To keep your surgical scissors sharp and effective, handle, clean, sterilize, lubricate, store, inspect, and sharpen them properly. Fix any loose joints to ensure they’re working correctly.
Medical facilities should prefer high-quality surgical instruments. Such instruments last longer and do not rust or corrode quickly. If you’re looking for surgical tools requiring minimal upkeep and lasting long, GerMedUSA has got you covered. They offer surgical-grade German stainless instruments.
FAQS
How do I clean and disinfect my iris scissors?
Clean the iris scissors with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilization via autoclave to comply with regulations.
Are the mayo scissors available in different designs?
Yes, mayo scissors come in different designs, such as mayo dissecting scissors curved and mayo dissecting scissors straight.