Thumb Forceps: Learning Objectives
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After completing this section, you should be able to:
- Identify the four most common types of forceps used in veterinary surgery and describe their surgical applications.
- Explain the physical characteristics that distinguish tissue forceps from dressing forceps.
- List the common ways that thumb forceps are used in veterinary surgery.
- Describe how thumb forceps, when used improperly, can cause tissue trauma.
- Demonstrate the proper grip and hand, wrist, and arm "posture" for efficient use of thumb forceps during routine suturing.
- State the purpose of “stowing” forceps and explain when this maneuver is used during surgery.
- Demonstrate how to transition forceps between the "stow" position and the “use” position.
- Describe how thumb forceps are used to help needle penetration and extraction from tissue during suturing.