Early surgical tools were mostly made of simple metal or stone tools. Surgical instruments in ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and ancient Rome, such as tweezers, scalpels and saws, have shown a certain degree of professionalism. However, these tools are still relatively limited in function, with poor precision and safety.
With the increase of medical knowledge and the advancement of technology, surgical tools began to be gradually refined in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought new materials and production technologies, making surgical tools more precise and durable.
Types and functions of modern surgical tools
1. Basic tools: including scalpels, scissors, tweezers and needle holders. These tools are the basis for surgical operations. Scalpels are used to cut tissues, scissors are used to trim tissues or cut sutures, tweezers are used to clamp small objects or tissues, and needle holders are used to clamp needles during suturing.
2. Electric tools: such as electric knives and electrocoagulators, which generate high temperatures through electric currents and are used to cut or coagulate tissues to reduce bleeding and improve surgical efficiency.
3. Endoscope: Modern endoscope technology makes minimally invasive surgery possible. Through the tiny tubular device, doctors can observe and operate inside the body, reducing trauma to the patient’s body and recovery time.
4. Robotic surgical system: Such as the da Vinci surgical system, these high-tech devices allow surgeons to control the robotic arms on the console to perform precise surgical operations. Robotic surgical systems provide greater flexibility and precision, especially for complex and delicate operations.
5. Laser: Laser surgical technology uses the high energy of lasers to cut or burn tissues, and is commonly used in ophthalmology, dermatology and oncology operations.
Through the understanding of modern surgical tools, we can not only see the progress of medical technology, but also feel the infinite possibilities of future medical development.
