Stainless steel forceps are among the most common simple tools of modern medicine. Broadly speaking, forceps are grasping aids, and often resemble a pair of pliers. Disposable single-use plastic forceps do exist, but forceps for use in surgery are almost always made out of stainless steel, as this allows them to withstand the high heat needed to sterilize them and allows them to be re-used. Many different varieties of forceps exist, because each is designed to be perfectly suited to a particular medical need.
Kelly forceps are probably the best-known variety. They take their name from their inventor, Dr. Howard Kelly. They look something like a pair of scissors, with flat grasping areas at the end in place of cutting blades. The grasping surfaces on these stainless steel forceps can be used to place steady pressure wherever it is required, as they can be locked into closed position. This feature is very useful when tissue must be held in place, and also allows them to hold blood vessels closed to control the flow of blood during an operation.
Other types of stainless steel forceps have been designed specifically for other medical purposes. Hemostatic forceps, for instance, have a special adjustable feature, so that they can be used to precisely control the flow of blood in large or small blood vessels. They are standard surgical equipment. Uterine forceps are another specialized type, designed specifically for use in surgical procedures involving the uterus and related tissues.
The use of stainless steel forceps is not restricted to surgical practice. Obstetric forceps, for example, were developed during the 16th century to aid in the process of childbirth. These forceps are used to gently grasp the head of a fetus within the womb in aid of the safe extraction of a child. They can be particularly helpful during more difficult births. They were so successful as a medical tool that they allowed the Chamberlen family of doctors, who developed them and kept them as a trade secret for decades, to serve as the birthing doctors to royalty. When used properly, these stainless steel forceps may cause mild bruising to both infant and child, but inflict no permanent damage.
Grasping tools are as useful to dentists as they are to doctors. Dental forceps are specially designed tools for removing teeth. They facilitate the sturdy grasping of particular teeth.
