Types of Surgical Instruments

Surgical instruments, well, they’re truly the unsung heroes in medical procedures. From the tiniest biopsy punch to the heftiest bone rasp, these tools make precision possible. In fact, SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS are the bridge between a surgeon’s intent and actual outcome. I think it’s fair to say you don’t realize how critical they are until you’ve seen a procedure without them. 

Anthony Products has been crafting specialized surgical tools since 1969 and has built a reputation in ENT, plastic surgery, oral maxillofacial, and dermatology circles. Our heritage, straight from the family garage to an international distributor, is quite something, and it adds a layer of trust when you're choosing precision instruments for critical clinical uses. 

Major Categories of Surgical Instruments 

Below I break down the types of surgical instruments, each with purpose, subtypes, clinical use, and a nod to Anthony Products where relevant. 

Biopsy Punches 

Definition / Purpose 

These are used to sample tissue: skin, mucosa, and biopsy forceps for internal sampling. Ideal for small excisions. 

Variants 

• Skin punch 

• Biopsy forceps 

Clinical Applications 
Dermatology, minor skin procedures, ENT investigations. Tissue sampling in-office or lab analysis. 

Featured Products (Anthony Products) 
Anthony Products carries a biopsy punch line in our dermasurgical category, though a specific list isn’t public. We’re known among dermatologists for comedone extractors and skin hooks in our dermasurgical inventory. 

Bone Instruments 

Tools 
Curettes, crushers, curettes, rongeurs, osteotomes, mallets, rasps. 

Use Cases 
Orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery (bone shaping), oral/maxillofacial procedures. 

Clinical Applications 
Bone curettage, orthopedic manipulations, contouring in cosmetic work. Curettes, for example, are used to scrape tissue or bone in ENT or gynecologic procedures. 

Dermasurgical Instruments 

Items 
Comedone extractors, skin hooks, dermasurgical scissors and forceps, even biopsy punches. 

Purpose 
Manipulate fine tissue, extract comedones, facilitate skin excisions in dermatology. 

Applications 
Dermatology clinic work, mole excisions, cosmetic skin procedures. Anthony Products offers a full dermasurgical lineup: scissors, skin hooks, suction tubes, suture removal tools. 

ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Instruments 

Subcategories 

• Myringotomy blades 

• Ear curettes, forceps 

• Specula, suction tubes 

• Probes 

• Tuning forks 

Elevators 

Used to lift tissues like the periosteum in dental or oral surgery. 

Clinical Applications 
Ear tube placement, sinus procedures, tonsil removal. Anthony Products has a full ENT line, including myringotomy blade sets and specula designed for otolaryngology. 

Forceps 

Variations Include 
Biopsy, dissecting, hemostatic, micro‑neurosurgery, nasal, tissue, towel, tubing clamps. 

Purpose 
Hold, grasp, manipulate tissue or objects. Forceps are either locking (hemostats, needle holders) or thumb (“pick‑ups”) forceps. 

Clinical Use 
Used everywhere, from vascular surgery to ENT, based on delicacy needed. Common examples: Kelly hemostats, Allis clamps, DeBakey forceps. 

Fiber‑Optic Instruments 

Instruments 
Aspirators, retractors (face‑lift, mammary), nasal specula, probes, and suction attachments with fiber‑optic light. 

Purpose / Clinical Use 
Enhanced visualization in cosmetic, plastic, and ENT procedures. 

Featured 
Anthony Products lists fiber‑optic products separately in their catalog alongside ENT and cosmetic surgery supplies. 

Implant Instruments 

Examples 
Devices to place implants in plastic or reconstructive surgery, markers, guide tools, and insertion forceps. 

Applications 
Breast augmentation, facial implants, reconstructive nasal or oral work. Anthony Products supports plastic surgery practices and carries large SKUs in implant‑related tools. 

Measuring Instruments

Tools

Measuring instruments include devices like calipers, rulers, protractors, measuring tapes, and micrometers designed to determine dimensions, distances, or angles accurately.

Purpose

These tools are used to obtain precise measurements for various applications, ensuring quality control, consistency, and accuracy in work.

Applications

Commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, and healthcare—for tasks like checking dimensions of parts, measuring surgical tools, or ensuring proper equipment alignment.

Nasal Instruments 

Varieties 
Hooks, knives, punches, specula, retractors, suctions (e.g., Frontal Seeker, trocars). 

Clinical Applications 
Rhinoplasty, sinus surgery, and septoplasty are used for exposure, trimming, suctioning. 

Needle Holders 

Purpose 
Hold suturing needles securely during closure. 

Types 
Standard stainless steel, tungsten‑carbide variants for precision and durability. 

Applications 
Used in all surgical fields; carbide versions are preferred for long-term sharpness. 

Ophthalmology Instruments 

Tools 
Forceps, scissors, retractors, probes, eye protection. 

Clinical Use 
In delicate eye surgeries, micro‑forceps or scissors minimize trauma. 

Plastic Surgery Instruments 

Examples 
Areola markers, dissectors, forceps, retractors, endoscopic forehead devices. 

Applications 
Breast, facial, endoscopic cosmetic surgeries. High‑precision tools needed; Anthony Products supports this arena with a dedicated plastic surgery line. 

Retractors 

Types 
Deaver, Army‑Navy, Richardson, self‑retaining (Weitlaner, Weitlaner‑Beckman), throat, nasal, ophthalmology, plastic. 

Purpose 
Separate tissues or hold an incision open so surgeons get visibility and access. 

Clinical Applications 
Through every surgical specialty, from general surgery to ENT and orthopedics. 

Scalpel Blades & Handles 

Types 
Disposable vs reusable handles, blade removers, myringotomy blade sets. Blades numbered (#10, #11, #15, etc.). 

Applications 
Initial incision, precise surgery, ENT blade sets. Myringotomy blades offered by Anthony Products in their ENT line. 

Scissors 

Kinds 
Bandage, dissecting (Mayo, Metzenbaum), ear, nail, operating, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, stitch, wire‑cutting scissors. 

Use Cases 
Cutting sutures or tissue precisely. Mayo scissors for tough tissue, Iris for microsurgery, Metzenbaum for delicate dissection. 

Skin Hooks 

Purpose 
Retract dermatologic tissue, especially in minor procedures. 

Variants 
Different sizes for fine retraction; Anthony Products lists skin hooks under dermasurgical tools. 

Suction Tubes 

Examples 
Yankauer style, ENT suction instruments. 

Use 
Remove fluids or debris; keep operative field clear. 

Clinical Settings 
General surgery, ENT, dermatology. Anthony Products bundles suction tubes in ENT and dermasurgical lines. 

Suture Removal Instruments 

Purpose 
Remove sutures post‑procedure, with minimal tissue trauma. 

Applications 
Outpatient follow‑ups; dermatologic, plastic, or general surgical settings.

Specialty Highlights 

Tungsten‑carbide instruments 
Needle holders and scissors often come in tungsten‑carbide tips for durability, sharper grips, longer edge retention. Surgeons appreciate the precision and longevity. 

Myringotomy blades: disposable types 
ENT professionals may choose flat, round, or micro‑edge blades depending on patient need. Anthony Products offers sets specialized for ENT practice. 

Quality & Compliance 

High‑quality surgical instruments are manufactured the clinical standards. Anthony Products emphasizes precision and compliance, offering instruments that withstand sterilization and repeated use, supporting reliability during surgical procedures. 

Why Choose Anthony Products? 

With roots beginning in 1969, Anthony Products has half a century of experience serving ENT, plastic surgery, dermatology, and oral maxillofacial fields. Today, we carry over 100,000 SKUs, and we carry a large and growing catalog of surgical tools trusted by professionals around the world and serve tens of thousands of global customers. 

We offer personalized service: every online order is reviewed manually to catch errors and ensure you get exactly what you need, one‑on‑one customer service you won’t get at faceless mega‑retailers. 

How to Order / Resources 

If you’re setting up a new practice or replenishing your instrument inventory, Anthony Products’ website is straightforward. Browse by category (e.g. Dermasurgical, ENT, Fiber‑Optic Products), then reach out to our customer service for custom needs or questions. We provide literature, product manuals, FAQs, and international shipping. You can contact us at customerservice@anthonyproducts.com or toll‑free 1‑800‑428‑1610. 

Final Thought 

Surgical success relies on tools that match the surgeon’s intent. That’s why understanding the types of surgical instruments matters—not just their names, but also what they do, how they differ, and when to choose one over another. Anthony Products, with our long-standing heritage since 1969, excels at supplying high‑precision, compliant, and trusted. Whether you're into biopsy punches, retractors, forceps, or delicate tungsten-carbide needle holders, we have everything you need. 

At the end of the day, it’s surgical instruments that make precision possible, and picking the right instruments for the right procedure isn’t just smart; it’s essential.