Lesson 1Scalpels and blades: types, blade numbering, cutting mechanics and safety featuresThis lesson covers scalpel handles, blade types, numbering, and matching blades to incisions, while focusing on safe loading, passing, disposal, and preventing accidental cuts in the sterile field.
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 limitationsThis lesson explains Mayo, Metzenbaum, and suture scissors construction and uses, linking blade length, curve, and material to cutting, plus tissue matching, upkeep, and tip protection.
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 riskThis lesson explores suction tips and electrosurgical tools, relating size, shape, and insulation to fluid removal and coagulation, stressing thermal spread, insulation checks, and smoke safety.
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 riskThis lesson examines hemostatic clamps, comparing jaw patterns, lock strength, and ratchets, focusing on vessel size matching, crush prevention, and spotting wear or misalignment.
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 orientationThis lesson covers needle holders and suturing tools, relating jaws, length, weight to control, explaining needle stability, orientation, wrist moves, and protecting points and sutures.
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 loopsThis lesson introduces common specialty tools like sponge forceps, malleable retractors, bowel clamps, vessel loops, explaining design, uses, atraumatic handling, and setup organisation.
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 considerationsThis lesson analyses tissue forceps, comparing teeth, openings, tension, and how Adson, Debakey, Allis, Babcock balance grip and trauma, including safe handling of delicate tissues.
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 placementThis lesson details handheld and self-retaining retractors, focusing on blade shape, width, angle, selection for depth and tissue, safe placement, injury prevention, and team coordination.
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
