Tissue forceps look simple, but the tip design makes a big difference. Teeth give a secure grip with little pressure; smooth, serrated tips spread pressure over a wider area; atraumatic grooves protect delicate tissue. Using the wrong tip can crush tissue or let it slip. This guide explains the options.
In short
Use toothed forceps for tough tissue such as skin and fascia, serrated dressing forceps for dressings, gauze and sutures, and atraumatic forceps such as DeBakey for vessels, bowel and other delicate tissue.
Toothed tissue forceps#
Toothed forceps have interlocking teeth at the tip, often in a 1×2 arrangement (one tooth on one side fitting between two on the other). The teeth hold tissue securely with light pressure, which is why they are preferred for skin edges and fascia. It may seem surprising, but a light grip with teeth often causes less damage than squeezing hard with smooth tips.
Dressing (non-toothed) forceps#
Dressing forceps have fine cross-serrations but no teeth. They are used to handle dressings, gauze and sutures, and for light tissue handling where teeth would snag. Because they need more pressure to hold tissue, they are not ideal for gripping skin edges.
Atraumatic forceps#
Atraumatic forceps, such as the DeBakey pattern, have fine longitudinal grooves along the jaw that grip delicate tissue without piercing it. They are widely used in vascular, bowel and general surgery wherever tissue must not be marked.
| Tip | Grip | Use for | Avoid on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth (1×2 etc.) | Secure, light pressure | Skin, fascia, tough tissue | Vessels, bowel, nerves |
| Cross-serrated | Moderate | Dressings, gauze, sutures | Holding skin edges firmly |
| Atraumatic grooves | Gentle | Vessels, bowel, delicate tissue | Very tough tissue |
Common patterns#
- Adson: short, with a wide handle and fine tips; available toothed or non-toothed. Popular for skin.
- Standard tissue and dressing forceps: straight, general-purpose patterns in several lengths.
- DeBakey: long, slim atraumatic forceps.
- Russian: rounded, cupped tips for grasping tissue firmly.
What to specify#
Ordering checklist
- Pattern and overall length.
- Tip type: teeth (and arrangement), serrated or atraumatic.
- Tip width, for patterns offered in fine and standard versions.
- Straight or angled, and with or without tungsten carbide tips.
Care#
Inspect the tips after each use: teeth should mesh fully and the tips should meet exactly. Bent tips or worn serrations reduce grip and should be repaired. Clean the serrations and teeth carefully with a soft brush.
Frequently asked questions#
Why do surgeons use toothed forceps on skin?#
Teeth hold the skin edge securely with light pressure. Smooth tips need a harder squeeze, which can crush the tissue.
What are dressing forceps used for?#
Dressing forceps have serrated tips without teeth and are used for handling dressings, gauze and sutures, and for light tissue handling.
Which forceps are atraumatic?#
Patterns with fine longitudinal grooves, such as DeBakey forceps, are designed to hold vessels and other delicate tissue without piercing them.
Order tissue forceps from Gami Surgical#
Gami Surgical manufactures tissue, dressing and atraumatic forceps in Sialkot, Pakistan, and delivers worldwide. Send us your list with patterns, lengths and tip types for a quote.
