Clearing the Airway—Tongue Forceps

The birth of forceps

Operative vaginal delivery has been described since the Middle Ages. During this time, however, labour would be sustained over several days and intrapartum death almost inevitable. In these circumstances, intervention involving the use of surgical instruments or even kitchen utensils would serve purely as an attempt to avoid maternal mortality. The establishment of forceps-assisted delivery as ...

The Bengal Forceps

models in general use. While the weight of a pair of Anderson's forceps is about 1 lb. 10 ozs. the " Bengal forceps " weighs only a pound. In the " Bengal forceps " pelvic curves are a little more pronounced than usual and the distance between the shanks near the joint is wide enough to admit the forefinger. The handles are made like those of amputation knives, and give an efficient hold withou...

Willett's Forceps

Willett (1925) first published his account of the treatment of placenta praevia byscalp forceps and weight traction, in 1925. He describes the treatment of seven cases by means of a modification of de Martell's surgical scalp forceps?the modification being the increase in length of the handles to inches. His two resident medical officers assured him that they found the method both easy and quic...

Missing Forceps

Sclerotomy forceps.

Forceps to facilitate the drainage of subretinal fluid are described.