Types of Surgical Instruments

Surgical instruments are truly the unsung heroes in medical procedures. From the micro alligator forceps to the heftiest bone rasp, these tools make precision possible. In fact, surgical instrument 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 

The major categories types of surgical instruments, their functions, and uses in medical procedures for precision, safety, and effective patient care.

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 offers biopsy punches in the dermasurgical line, alongside comedone extractors and skin hooks.

Bone Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
Designed to manipulate, shape, or remove bone tissue during surgical procedures. 

Variants 

• Curettes 

• Crushers 

• Rongeurs 

• Osteotomes 

• Mallets 

• Rasps 

Clinical Applications 

• Orthopedic and plastic surgery 

• Oral and maxillofacial procedures 

• Bone contouring and curettage 

Dermasurgical Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
Used for precise manipulation of skin and soft tissue in dermatologic procedures. 

Variants 

• Comedone extractors 

• Skin hooks 

• Dermasurgical scissors and forceps 

• Biopsy punches 

Clinical Applications 

• Mole excisions 

• Comedone removal 

• Dermatology clinic procedures 

Featured Products 
Anthony Products’ dermasurgical tools include scissors, skin hooks, suction tubes, and suture removal tools. 

ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
Specialized tools designed for diagnosing and treating conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. 

Variants 

• Myringotomy blades 

• Ear curettes, forceps 

• Specula, suction tubes 

• Probes, tuning forks 

Clinical Applications 

• Ear tube placement 

• Tonsillectomy 

• Sinus and nasal procedures 

Elevators 

Definition/Purpose 
Used to lift soft tissue or bone, especially the periosteum, during dental, ENT, or maxillofacial surgery. 

Variants 

• Periosteal elevators 

• ENT and dental-specific models 

Clinical Applications 

• Oral surgery 

• Nasal and facial reconstructive procedures

Forceps 

Definition/Purpose 
Used to grasp, hold, or manipulate tissue or surgical materials during procedures. 

Variants 

• Biopsy forceps 

• Hemostatic forceps 

• Micro-neurosurgical forceps 

• Nasal, tissue, towel clamps 

• Thumb vs. locking types 

Clinical Applications 

• Tissue handling in ENT, vascular, and general surgery 
• Clamping blood vessels (e.g., Kelly, Allis, DeBakey forceps)

Fiber‑Optic Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
Tools integrated with fiber-optic lighting to enhance visibility during surgical procedures. 

Variants 

• Aspirators 

• Retractors (facelift, mammary) 

• Nasal specula 

• Probes and suction attachments 

Clinical Applications 

• Cosmetic and ENT surgeries 

• Plastic surgery requiring enhanced visualization 

Implant Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
Tools used in the placement and positioning of surgical implants. 

Variants 

• Insertion forceps 

• Marking tools 

• Guide devices 

Clinical Applications 

• Breast augmentation 

• Facial and nasal implant placement 

• Reconstructive plastic surgery 

Measuring Instruments

Definition/Purpose

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

Tools

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

Clinical Applications

• Widely used in manufacturing for checking dimensions of parts

• Essential in construction for accurate measurements and alignment

• Applied in engineering to ensure precision in tools and equipment

• Valuable in healthcare for measuring surgical tools and instruments

Nasal Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
Instruments designed for nasal procedures involving trimming, exposure, or suction. 

Variants 

• Hooks, knives, punches 

• Specula, retractors 

• Frontal Seekers, trocars 

Clinical Applications 

• Rhinoplasty 

• Septoplasty 

• Sinus surgeries

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 

Definition/Purpose 
Delicate tools used in eye surgeries to manipulate ocular tissues with minimal trauma. 

Variants 

• Micro-forceps 

• Scissors 

• Retractors 

• Probes 

• Eye shields 

Clinical Applications 

• Cataract and retinal procedures 

• Refractive and cosmetic eye surgeries

Plastic Surgery Instruments 

Definition/Purpose 
High-precision instruments tailored for aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries. 

Variants 

• Areola markers 

• Dissector tools 

• Retractors 

• Endoscopic forehead devices 

Clinical Applications 

• Breast augmentation and lifts 

• Facial cosmetic surgeries 

• Endoscopic brow lifts 

Retractors 

Definition/Purpose 
Hold back tissues or incisions to maintain visibility and access during surgery. 

Variants 

• Deaver, Army-Navy, Richardson 

• Self-retaining: Weitlaner, Beckman 

• Throat, nasal, ophthalmic, plastic surgery models 

Clinical Applications 

• ENT, orthopedic, general, and plastic surgery 

• Tissue separation and cavity access

Scalpel Blades & Handles 

Definition/Purpose 
Used to make precise incisions in tissue. 

Variants 

• Disposable or reusable handles 

• Blade types: #10, #11, #15 

• Specialty blades: Myringotomy 

Clinical Applications 

• General incisions 

• ENT-specific blade sets 

Scissors 

Definition/Purpose 
Cutting tissue, sutures, or materials with surgical precision. 

Variants 

• Bandage, operating scissors 

• Mayo, Metzenbaum, Iris 

• Ophthalmic, stitch, wire-cutting 

Clinical Applications 

• Tissue dissection 

• Suture removal 

• Microsurgical procedures 

Skin Hooks 

Definition/Purpose 
Retract skin gently in dermatologic or minor surgical procedures. 

Variants 

• Single and double prong 

• Various sizes for fine control 

Clinical Applications 

• Mole excisions 

• Cosmetic skin procedures 

Suction Tubes 

Definition/Purpose 
Clear fluids or debris from the operative field. 

Variants 

• Yankauer 

• ENT-specific suction instruments 

Clinical Applications 

• Baron Tubes

• Yankauer Tubes 

• Oesophageal Tubes

• Vacutract Tubes 

Suture Removal Instruments 

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

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

Clinical Applications 

• ENT, dermatology, general surgery 

• Maintaining clear surgical visibility 

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.