Metzenbaum Vs Mayo Scissors: History, Specific Uses, Types

Surgical scissors are an integral part of medical equipment in any operating room setting. These are helpful for the medical practitioners in several ways. However, the specific procedure determines which variant of these dissecting scissors is suitable to use. 

There are many types of surgical scissors. The most important ones include Metzenbaum scissors and Mayo scissors. Apart from that, medical practitioners use multiple types of scissors instruments during a procedure.

Each type of these cutting and dissecting medical tools has certain specifications, and so are its uses. For instance, Mayo surgery scissors have a robust structure and help cut dense tissues and suture thread. 

On the other hand, Metzenbaum scissors feature a delicate design and assist surgeons in making blunt dissections. So all surgeon scissors are used depending on their structure and intended purpose. 

Here, we’ll have a detailed discussion regarding Metzenbaum Vs Mayo Scissors. First, let’s overview the types of surgery scissors.

Common Types Of Surgical Scissors

Surgical scissors are available in hundreds of patterns, and each pattern has several variations regarding size, colors, and structural features. The need for so many surgery scissors comes when medical practitioners feel difficulty in using the same instrument for multiple purposes. 

For example, scissors used for bandage cutting are unsuitable for dissecting fine tissues. Therefore, surgeons have to use delicately designed variants such as Metzenbaum scissors. 

For almost every surgical procedure, there are different types of scissors. However, some can be used in multiple procedures, but rarely.  

The commonly used surgical scissors include  Iris Scissors, Cardiovascular And Thoracic Scissors, Deaver Scissors, Dermal Scissors, Gradle Scissors, Gynecological Scissors,  Microsurgery Scissors,  Suture Scissors, Plastic Surgery Scissors, and Neurological scissors.  

Apart from that, there are many other surgical cutting and dissecting scissors, including

•     Doyen Abdominal Scissors 
•     Ear Scissors 
•     Fergusson Abdominal Scissors 
•     Goldman Fox Scissors 
•     Mayo Dissecting Scissors
•     Metzenbaum Dissecting Scissors 
•     Microsurgery Scissors 
•     Operating Scissors 
•     Plastic Surgery Scissors 
•     Ragnell Dissecting Scissors 
•     Utility Scissors 
•     Westcott Tenotomy Scissors 

Invention of Mayo and Metzenbaum Scissors

Surgical instruments have been a need of all ages. However, they kept advancing with every passing day. The mayo and Metzenbaum scissors we see today are far different from their first version. 

Actually, now these instruments are more refined and efficient. These are free from material and craftsmanship defects as they used to be decades ago.

If we look at the history of these cutting and dissecting surgeon scissors, Mayo scissors were invented in the1800 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, USA. So they are named according to their place of invention.
In this advanced era of healthcare, surgeons can get these scissors in more than 200 patterns and variations.

Similarly, the Metzenbaum scissors are the invention of the 20th century by an ENT surgeon specialist, Dr. Myron Metzenbaum. So the name comes from the designer of these scissors. These are also called Metz or Lahey Forceps.

Uses: Metzenbaum Vs Mayo Scissors  

Commonly, both types of scissors are helpful in cutting and dissecting tissues. However, there are some differences in their use.
Let’s discuss Mayo vs Metzenbaum Scissors regarding use.

Mayo Dissecting Scissors Use

Mayo surgical scissors have a special design for cutting dense and hard tissues. Moreover, these are helpful in cutting suture threads. Therefore, surgeons also call them "Suture Scissors".

Besides that, Mayo dissecting scissors are useful in multiple surgical procedures for dissecting tissues, including 

•    Appendectomy
•    Herniotomy
•    Exploratory laparotomy
•    Mastectomy

Additionally, in gynecological procedures, they are ideal for dissecting supporting tendons and outer structures of the uterus. Moreover, they help surgeons cut abs and sash in C-segment surgery.

Additionally, Mayo scissors assist surgeons in cutting ligaments during procedures like laryngectomy and thyroidectomy. In neurosurgeries, these are helpful in removing ligamentum flavum. 

Metzenbaum Scissors Use

Metzenbaum scissors, also called Metz, are specially manufactured for performing blunt dissections and cutting delicate and fine tissues. Like Mayo scissors, these are also helpful in various procedures. 

Surgeons use these dissecting scissors for incising the deep rib bed periosteal layer. In this procedure, Metz scissors stay extrapleural.

Moreover, these surgical scissors are helpful in performing retropleural dissection in order to get lateral access to the thoracic spine.

Structural Features: Mayo Vs Metzenbaum Scissors

Structural features are the main part of the discussion considering Metzenbaum vs mayo scissors. 

In comparison with Metz, Mayo scissors have a more robust structure. Moreover, these have an almost equal shank-to-blade ratio. Both tips of these scissors are blunt, making them atraumatic in nature.

On the other hand, Metzenbaum dissecting scissors feature a delicate structure. Owing to their structural features, these scissors are also called Lahey forceps. Contrary to Mayo scissors, Metz scissors have a long shank-to-blade ratio, making them suitable for accessing deeper surgical sites. 

Common Features

The common features of Metzenbaum and Mayo scissors are finger ring handles and blunt tips. Moreover, both types of surgical scissors are made of stainless steel. So they are reusable and sterilizable. Additionally, Metz, as well as Mayo dissecting scissors, are available in dozens of patterns and variations. 

Important Types: Metzenbaum Scissors Vs Mayo scissors

Mayo and Metzenbaum scissors are available in multiple types. The two important patterns include curved and straight designs. Moreover, both types of scissors are available in super sharp and super-cut patterns. 

Apart from that, Metzenbaum and Mayo scissors come with tungsten carbide inserts, which makes them more precise and durable. 

However, a special type of Mayo scissors is Mayo-Stille Dissecting Scissor. They feature beveled blades for super thin dissections. The rounded edges of these scissors assist surgeons in performing deeper tissue dissections.

Mayo Scissors Types

The most common types of Mayo dissecting scissors include 

•    Mayo Dissecting Scissors Curved
•    Mayo Dissecting Scissors Straight
•    Mayo Noble Dissecting Scissors
•    Mayo Dissecting Scissors Supercut 
•    Mayo Dissecting Scissors Supercut Straight

There are many other types of Mayo scissors helpful for the surgeons in different procedures.

Metzenbaum Scissors Types

The important types of Metzenbaum dissecting scissors include 

•    Metzenbaum Dissecting Scissors Standard Curved
•    Metzenbaum Dissecting Scissors Straight Delicate
•    Metzenbaum Scissors Curved Super Sharp -Tungsten Carbide
•    Metzenbaum Scissors Super Sharp Straight-Tungsten Carbide
•    Metzenbaum Scissors Straight Left Hand and 
•    Many more.

Get German-forged Surgical Scissors

From the discussion on Metzenbaum vs Mayo Scissors, you must have learned about the importance and uses of these dissecting scissors. Both types of surgical scissors are helpful in tissue dissection; however, Mayo Scissors are special for dense tissues, and Metz are ideal for delicate ones. 

If you are a surgeon, you must ensure the availability of high-quality surgery scissors at your clinical setup. For that, we can fulfill your needs with a variety of Geman-forged dissecting scissors.

Multiple variations are available for each type of surgical scissors. We manufacture our instruments keeping in mind the requirements of medical professionals. 

FAQs

Is it wise to cut sutures with Metz?

No, Metzenbaum scissors are specially designed for fine and blunt tissue dissection. 

What is the most common use of Mayo dissecting scissors?

The most common use of Mayo scissors includes the cutting of thick tissues found in the uterus, muscles, breast, and foot.  

What are our surgical scissors made of?

Our surgical instruments are made of surgical-grade German stainless steel for improved durability.