Surgical Scissors

Mayo Scissors

Mayo scissors, mainly used to cut fascia, the connective tissue between the skin and muscles. They have a semi-blunt end and come in two types: straight-bladed and curved-bladed. Straight-bladed Mayo scissors, also known as "suture scissors," are used for cutting tissue near the surface and cutting sutures. Curved-bladed Mayo scissors are designed for deeper cuts, ideal for tissues in the uterus, muscles, breast, and foot. For dissection, Mayo scissors are initially inserted with tips closed, then opened inside to spread the tissue. 

Bandage Scissors

Bandage scissors are designed for patient safety while cutting gauze, bandages, and sizing bandages. With an angled tip and blunt bottom tip, they cut thin material without harming the skin. There are two main types: Lister and Knowles. Lister scissors are ideal for sizing dressings, removing bandages, and cutting thicker materials like plaster and fabric. They have an elongated lower blade with a flattened blunt tip to slide between bandages and skin safely, useful even in cesarean sections. Knowles scissors are lightweight, durable, and also designed to protect the patient with a protective tip on the upper blade, suitable for cutting thick materials. 

Dissecting Scissors

Dissecting scissors provide more leverage than scalpels and are used for making incisions, removing skin, tissue, and stitches. Their curved blades protect incisions during probing. Heavy blades cut thick tissue like tendons and ligaments, while lighter blades, which can be straight, angled, or curved, are for delicate tissues like those in the eyes. According to Jessica Gore from wiseGEEK.net, iris scissors have fine, sharp tips for precise work, and tenotomy scissors are used to push tissue aside rather than pierce it. 

Metzenbaum Scissors

Metzenbaum scissors are similar to Mayo scissors but have longer handles and a narrower midsection. They are primarily used in organ and heart surgeries for cutting soft tissue and blunt dissection. Available in both curved and straight blades with blunt tips, they range from 4.5 to 14 inches in length, with smaller sizes suited for delicate procedures. 

Stitch / Ligature Scissors

Stitch/Ligature Scissors are ideal for removing sutures. The hook-shaped tip slips under the suture to lift and separate it from the skin before cutting, preventing slippage. They also come with straight shanks and angled, serrated jaws. 

Operating Scissors

Operating scissors are versatile medical scissors available in various sizes and designs to suit different operations. They are often made of stainless steel and can be used for both regular and surgical purposes. Regular cleaning and sharpening are essential to maintain their effectiveness. 

Iris Scissors

Iris scissors are small instruments with sharp, fine tips. They are mainly used in eye surgery but can also be used for removing fine tissue and sutures, as well as in OB/GYN and skin procedures. They come in curved or straight blades, depending on the need. 

Tenotomy Scissors

Tenotomy scissors are used in delicate surgeries like eye, plastic, and neurological procedures. Their long handles provide a firm grip for working in small areas. These scissors come in various shapes and sizes. Sharp tips allow precise cutting, while blunt tips are better for handling membranes. 

Gyne Scissors

Gynecological scissors are used to cut blood vessels and tissues in gynecological and obstetrical surgeries, including cutting the umbilical cord and uterine ligaments. They come in straight, curved, and angled designs, with options for sharp or blunt tips. 

Potts / Micro Scissors

Micro scissors are used in vascular and cardiac surgery to cut delicate tissues. They often start the incision with number 11 or 15 blades, and their long, angled jaws, available in different sizes and angles, complete the cut.