Lesson 1Scalpels and blades: types, blade numbering, cutting mechanics and safety featuresReviews scalpel handles and blade types, numbering systems, and matching blade geometry to incision needs, while emphasizing safe loading, passing, disposal, and strategies to reduce accidental cuts in the sterile field during surgery.
Common blade numbers and typical usesHandle types and blade attachment methodsCutting mechanics and incision controlSafe loading, passing, and neutral zoneBlade removal and sharps container useLesson 2Scissors: Mayo, Metzenbaum, suture scissors — construction, uses, and limitationsCovers construction and use of Mayo, Metzenbaum, and suture scissors, linking blade length, curvature, and metallurgy to cutting performance, and highlighting correct tissue matching, maintenance, and avoidance of tip damage in procedures.
Mayo scissors for fascia and heavy tissueMetzenbaum scissors for fine tissue dissectionSuture scissors and safe suture cuttingBlade curvature, serrations, and edge wearHandling, passing, and tip protectionLesson 3Suction and electrosurgical instruments: Yankauer, Frazier, monopolar and bipolar tips — function and thermal riskExplores suction tips and electrosurgical pencils, relating lumen size, tip geometry, and insulation to fluid removal and coagulation efficiency, while emphasizing thermal spread, insulation failure, and smoke safety precautions in the OR.
Yankauer and Frazier design and lumen selectionMonopolar tips, grounding pad, and return pathsBipolar forceps tips and focused coagulationThermal spread, insulation failure, and burnsSmoke evacuation and plume exposure controlLesson 4Hemostatic clamps: Kelly, Mosquito, Crile, Kocher — jaw types, indications, and crush riskExamines common hemostatic clamps, comparing jaw serration patterns, box lock strength, and ratchet design, with emphasis on matching clamp to vessel size, minimizing crush injury, and recognizing wear or misalignment for safety.
Kelly, Mosquito, and Crile jaw patternsKocher clamps and use on tough tissueClamp selection by vessel size and locationCrush injury, slip risk, and tissue viabilityInspection, alignment, and ratchet functionLesson 5Needle holders and suturing instruments: Mayo-Hegar, Olsen-Hegar, chord stability and needle orientationFocuses on needle holders and suturing aids, relating jaw inserts, length, and weight to control, explaining chord stability, needle orientation, and wrist motion, and stressing protection of needle points and suture material.
Mayo-Hegar versus Olsen-Hegar featuresCarbide inserts, grip, and wear patternsNeedle loading angle and chord stabilityHand position, wrist motion, and rotationPassing, receiving, and sharps safetyLesson 6Specialty items often present: sponge forceps, malleable retractors, bowel clamps, vessel loopsIntroduces frequently encountered specialty items, explaining design and indications for sponge forceps, malleable retractors, bowel clamps, and vessel loops, with attention to atraumatic handling and setup organization in surgery.
Sponge forceps for sponges and tissueMalleable retractors for deep cavitiesBowel clamps and atraumatic occlusionVessel loops for identification and controlOrganizing and counting specialty itemsLesson 7Tissue forceps: Adson, Debakey, Allis, Babcock — grasping properties and tissue trauma considerationsAnalyzes tissue forceps designs, comparing teeth, fenestrations, and spring tension, and explains how Adson, Debakey, Allis, and Babcock patterns balance grip with tissue trauma, including safe handling of delicate structures.
Adson forceps for skin and fine edgesDebakey forceps for vascular and hollow organsAllis versus Babcock grasping mechanicsTooth patterns, pressure, and crush injuryInstrument handling to minimize traumaLesson 8Retractors: hand-held (Richardson, Deaver) and self-retaining (Weitlaner, Balfour) — selection and placementDetails hand-held and self-retaining retractors, focusing on blade shape, width, and angulation, correct selection for depth and tissue type, safe placement, prevention of nerve or pressure injury, and coordination with the surgical team.
Richardson and Deaver blade design and useWeitlaner and Balfour self-retaining mechanicsChoosing retractor size for depth and exposureSafe placement, padding, and pressure limitsTeam communication during retraction changes
