This surgical instrument combines the grasping functionality of a needle holder with the cutting capability of scissors. A typical example features a slender, elongated shaft with a jaw at one end for securely holding a suture needle. Integrated into this jaw is a small, sharp cutting mechanism. This allows surgeons to precisely manipulate and trim suture material without needing to switch instruments.
The integration of these two essential functions into a single tool streamlines surgical procedures, improving efficiency and potentially reducing operating time. This combined functionality contributes to greater precision in suture placement and trimming, potentially minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. While the precise historical development is complex and intertwined with the evolution of surgical instrumentation as a whole, the convenience and precision offered by this design have made it a staple in various surgical specialties.
