A tweezer-like instrument used for handling tissues or equipment during surgical procedures. Various types of forceps are designed for specific purposes. (See also forceps, obstetric.)
Surgical instruments with a pincer-like action which are used, for example, during operations, for grasping tissues and other materials. There are many di?erent designs for di?erent uses.
Obstetric forceps are designed to ?t around the infant’s head and allow traction to be applied to aid its delivery or to protect the soft skull of a very premature baby. (See PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)
n. a pincer-like instrument designed to grasp an object so that it can be held firm or pulled. Specially designed forceps – of which there are many varieties – are used by surgeons and dentists in operations (see illustration). The forceps used in childbirth are so designed as to fit firmly round the baby’s head without damaging it. Dental extraction forceps are specially designed to fit the various shapes of teeth. By having long handles and short beaks they provide considerable leverage.
obstetric forceps used to rotate a baby whose head is presenting in the occipitoposterior or occipitotransverse position (see occiput). Potentially dangerous, when carefully used under regional anaesthesia they can achieve a controlled atraumatic delivery. [C. Kielland (20th century), Norwegian obstetrician]... kielland’s forceps
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