Suture Scissors: Types, Design Features, and Surgical Applications

Suture scissors (surgical scissors) are fine instruments for cutting sutures, delicate tissues, and dressings. Key design elements: sharp/pointed or blunt tips, straight/curved blades, varying lengths.

Common Types

Type	Blade Features	Primary Use
Iris	Short, fine, slightly curved, sharp points	Ophthalmic, microsurgery, delicate dissection
Metzenbaum	Long, curved, blunt tips, delicate	Blunt dissection, cutting sutures in deep cavities
Mayo	Straight or curved, robust, blunt tips	Cutting heavy sutures, dressings, fascia
Halsted Mosquito	Short, curved, fine serrations near tip	Hemostasis, fine tissue handling
Stevens Tenotomy	One pointed, one hooked blade	Tendon/ligament work, strabismus surgery
Littauer/Stitch	Hooked tip on one blade	Suture removal

Material & Care

• High-grade stainless steel (often tungsten carbide inserts)
• Keep sharp; clean, lubricate, sterilize per protocol
• Inspect for nicks, misalignment, corrosion

Selection depends on tissue delicacy, access, and surgeon preference.