Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Which type of forceps is generally passed to the surgeon during a strabismus correction?

1. Debakey forceps

2. Bishop Harmon

3. Allis forceps

4. Kocher forceps

The correct answer is: Bishop Harmon

The correct choice is Bishop Harmon forceps, which are specifically designed for delicate surgical procedures such as strabismus correction. These forceps are ideal for grasping small tissue structures without causing significant trauma, which is critical in ophthalmic surgeries where precision is essential. Bishop Harmon forceps have fine tips, allowing for a gentle grip on fragile tissues typically encountered during strabismus surgery. Their design makes them particularly useful for manipulating and suturing the extraocular muscles involved in this procedure, where accuracy and control are paramount to achieving the desired surgical outcome. The other types of forceps listed are not suitable for this particular application. For instance, DeBakey forceps are used primarily in vascular surgeries due to their ability to grasp and manipulate soft tissue without damaging it but are not ideal for the fine work required in ophthalmic procedures. Allis forceps, with their interdigitate teeth, are generally used for holding tissue securely during more robust surgeries, where a firmer grip is necessary. Kocher forceps are designed for clamping and are often utilized in abdominal surgeries, possessing a more aggressive grip, which is not appropriate for delicate ophthalmic work. Thus, Bishop Harmon forceps are the preferred choice for strabismus correction due to their precision