Forceps are specialized, handheld instruments designed to precisely grasp, hold, and manipulate materials or tissues within the body. Functioning on the mechanical principle of a lever, they allow for the application of focused pressure or controlled traction in areas too confined or delicate for manual handling. The fundamental purpose of medical forceps is to provide a secure grip, enabling a range of procedures from subtle dissections to the removal of materials. These tools have evolved over centuries into highly refined, purpose-built instruments.
Design Elements That Enable Function
The core function of forceps—to grasp and manipulate—is enabled by three universal design components. The jaws or blades are the functional ends that directly engage with the tissue or object, often featuring fine serrations or teeth to maximize grip while minimizing trauma. The shank connects the grasping end to the control mechanism, dictating the instrument’s length and providing the necessary leverage for deep access. The handle provides the operator with control and a comfortable grip, often incorporating finger rings for enhanced dexterity.
A differentiating feature in many forceps is the locking mechanism, typically a ratchet or pivot joint, which is crucial for sustained functions. This mechanism allows the jaws to be locked closed at a specific pressure without requiring continuous manual effort from the user. Locking forceps, known as clamps or hemostats, free the operator’s hands for other tasks while maintaining a continuous hold on a vessel or tissue. The hinge point’s design also determines the mechanical advantage, balancing grip strength against the precision of the movement.
Function in Assisted Childbirth
Obstetrical forceps are specifically designed to assist in vaginal delivery when complications arise, such as fetal distress or maternal exhaustion. Their primary function is to safely apply controlled traction to the fetal head to help guide it through the birth canal. The instrument’s blades feature a cephalic curve, molded to fit the baby’s head without causing compression, and a pelvic curve, which aligns the traction with the natural shape of the maternal pelvis.
Forceps also assist with the rotation of the fetal head from an unfavorable position to the correct orientation for delivery. Some forceps, such as the Kielland type, are designed with a sliding lock mechanism that allows the blades to articulate independently. This feature permits the operator to gently rotate the fetal head within the birth canal before applying the necessary downward traction. Used correctly, these instruments reduce the duration of the second stage of labor, mitigating risks associated with prolonged pushing for both the mother and the fetus.
Functions in General Medical Practice
Outside of obstetrics, the function of forceps is highly diversified, serving as indispensable tools in nearly every surgical and clinical setting. One primary function is hemostasis, where specialized locking forceps, called hemostats, are used to clamp blood vessels to control bleeding. These clamps occlude the vessel lumen, maintaining pressure on the vessel walls until the vessel can be tied off or cauterized.
Forceps also perform delicate tissue manipulation during dissection, retraction, or suturing. Tissue forceps, such as the Adson or DeBakey types, feature fine, non-crushing tips, allowing surgeons to securely hold fragile structures without causing excessive damage. This precise gripping capability is essential for aligning tissue edges during wound closure or holding a needle while placing a suture. Forceps are also used for foreign body removal, grasping and extracting objects from narrow orifices or deep cavities within the body.