Editing Forceps (section)

==Locking forceps==
Locking forceps, sometimes called ''clamps'', are used to grasp and firmly hold objects or [[body tissue]]s, or to apply external compression onto tubular structures such as [[blood vessel]]s or [[Gastrointestinal tract|intestines]].  When they are specifically used to occlude an [[artery]] to [[hemostasis|forestall bleeding]], they are called [[hemostat]]s. Another form of locking forceps is the [[needle holder]], used to guide a [[suturing needle]] through tissue. Many locking forceps use finger rings/loops to facilitate handling (see illustration, below, of Kelly forceps). The finger loops are usually grasped by the [[thumb]] and [[middle finger|middle]] or (more often) [[ring finger]], while the [[index finger]] is placed on the pivot to help stabilize and guide the instrument.

The most common locking mechanism is a handle [[ratchet (device)|ratchet]], which consists of an asymmetrically serrated short protrusion near the finger loop of one of the handles, and a corresponding hook on the other. As the forceps are closed, the opposing teeth engage and interlock, keeping the handles adducted and the jaw surfaces clamped constantly. To unlock, a simple shearing push by the fingers is all that is needed to disengage the teeth and allow the grasping ends to move apart.

=== Kelly forceps ===
[[Image:Kelly Forceps.svg|thumb|right|Kelly forceps, shown closed and open]]
Kelly forceps are a type of [[hemostat]] usually made of stainless steel. They resemble a pair of [[scissor]]s with the blade replaced by a blunted grip. They also feature a locking mechanism to allow them to act as clamps.
Kelly forceps may be floor-grade (regular use) and as such not used for [[surgery]]. They may also be sterilized and used in operations, in both human and [[veterinary]] medicine. They may be either curved or straight. In surgery, they may be used for occluding [[blood vessel]]s, manipulating tissues, or for assorted other purposes.
They are named for [[Howard Atwood Kelly]], M.D., first professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]].
The "mosquito" variant of the tool is more delicate and has smaller, finer tips. Other varieties with similar, if more specialized, uses are Allis clamps, Babcocks, Kochers, Carmalts, and tonsils; all but the last bear the names of the surgeons who designed them.

=== Other medical forceps ===
{{unsourced section|date=November 2024}}
Other types of forceps include:

*[[Hartmann alligator forceps|Alligator forceps]]
*Anesthesia forceps, often with smooth jaw surface for clamping [[tube (fluid conveyance)|tubes]] such as a [[double-lumen tube]]
*Artery forceps, also known as a [[hemostat]]
*Atraumatic forceps, Debaker forceps
*Biopsy forceps
*Bone-cutting forceps
*Bone-reduction forceps
*Bone-holding forceps
*[[Bulldog forceps]]
*Catheter forceps
*Cilia forceps
*Curettes forceps
*Debaker forceps
*Dermal forceps & nippers
*Dressing forceps
*Ear forceps
*Eye forceps
*[[Foerster clamp]]
*Gallbladder forceps
*Gerald forceps
*Harvey forceps
*[[Hemostat|Hemostatic forceps]]
*Hysterectomy forceps
*Intestinal forceps
*[[Magill forceps]]
*Microsurgery forceps
*Nasal forceps
*[[Needle holder]]
*[[Obstetrical forceps]]
*Postmortem forceps
*Splinter forceps
*Sponge forceps
*Spreading forceps
*Sterilizer forceps
*Suture sundries forceps
*[[Tenaculum]] forceps
*Thoracic forceps
*Thoracic surgical forceps
*Thumb forceps
*Tissue forceps
*Tongue forceps
*Tooth extracting forceps
*Tubing forceps
*Uterine forceps
*Vulsellum forceps - used to grasp [[cervix|cervical]] lips to visualize the cervix.