How to choose Potts scissors angles
Potts scissors are fine, angled scissors used to open and extend incisions in vessels (arteriotomy). The angle between the blades and the shanks lets the surgeon cut along a vessel without the hand blocking the view.
- 25° and 45° — the most common choices for extending an arteriotomy along the vessel.
- 60° and 90° — for cuts in deeper or more awkward positions.
- 125° and 125° V-neck — reverse-angle blades for back-cutting toward the surgeon.
- 170° — strongly reversed, mainly in pediatric and special cases.
Blade length also matters: short fine blades for small coronary vessels, sharp fine for general vascular work, and micro fine for the smallest vessels. Spring handles give fingertip control; ring handles suit surgeons who prefer a scissor grip. See our Potts scissors →
Choosing a needle holder by suture size
A needle holder must match the needle: too heavy a jaw damages fine needles, too fine a jaw is damaged by heavy needles (and voids most warranties).
| Suture size | Typical needle holder |
|---|
| 8-0 to 10-0 | Ultra-micro, fine Castroviejo / Barraquer (spring handle) |
| 6-0 to 7-0 | Jacobson micro, Castroviejo micro, Micro Ryder, Richards |
| 4-0 to 5-0 | Ryder, microvascular, Jacobson delicate |
| 2-0 to 3-0 | Jacobson heavy, Mayo-Hegar, valve needle holders |
Jaws with tungsten-carbide (TC) inserts last longer and grip better; spiral-line box locks reduce suture snagging. See all needle holders →
Tungsten-carbide vs standard jaws
Tungsten carbide is much harder than stainless steel. Brazed onto needle-holder jaws or scissor blades, it holds needles more securely and keeps cutting edges longer. Many manufacturers mark TC instruments with gold-coloured rings or handles so they are easy to identify in a tray.
- Choose TC for needle holders used every day and for scissors that must stay sharp.
- Choose standard jaws for lower-cost sets and instruments used less often.
- Worn TC inserts can be replaced — the instrument body is kept. Repair service →
Stainless steel or titanium?
Stainless steel is the standard for most instruments: hardenable, durable and cost-effective. Titanium is about 40% lighter, non-magnetic and very corrosion resistant, which reduces hand fatigue during long micro and MICS procedures.
Titanium usually costs more and is chosen for micro forceps, needle holders and long-shaft instruments. Read more about our materials →
Atraumatic clamp jaws explained
Vascular clamps use fine, atraumatic tooth patterns that hold a vessel securely without crushing it. DeBakey-pattern jaws are the most widely used; Cooley and other patterns offer different grip profiles. Clamp shape (straight, angled, curved, spoon) and jaw length are chosen for the vessel and access.
See our vascular clamps → · Bulldogs & occlusion clips →
MICS and VATS instruments: what is different
Minimally invasive cardiac (MICS) and thoracoscopic (VATS) instruments work through small incisions or ports. They use long shafts (typically 5–10 mm diameter) with a sliding or double-action mechanism so the jaws open at the tip while the handle stays outside the chest.
- Handle styles: ring, ergonomic squeeze or bayonet.
- Colour-coded or knurled handles help identify instruments in long sets.
- Shaft length and curve are matched to the approach — uniport, multiport or minithoracotomy.
VATS instruments → · MICS instruments → · Sets →