Westcott Scissors and Blade Breakers: Tenotomy vs Stitch, Steel vs Titanium
Instrument guides
Westcott Scissors and Blade Breakers: Tenotomy vs Stitch, Steel vs Titanium
How Westcott tenotomy and stitch scissors differ, which blade length to choose, what ceramic and titanium add, and how blade breakers make fine knives.
Westcott scissors are spring handled micro scissors held like a pencil. The tenotomy version has blunt tips for dissecting conjunctiva, Tenon's capsule and lid tissue, and the stitch version has sharp tips for cutting sutures and fine tissue. Choose the blade length for the job, from 4 mm for the finest cuts to 25 mm for longer ones. Ceramic coated blades keep their edge longer, and titanium is lighter. Blade breakers snap breakable razor blades into small, very sharp knives.
What are Westcott scissors used for?
The University of Iowa's EyeRounds instrument tutorial describes Westcott tenotomy scissors as spring handled scissors for cutting delicate tissue, made with blunt or sharp tips and used for blunt and sharp dissection, particularly in eyelid surgery. We did not find a reliable source on who the Westcott name honours.
Which Westcott scissors do we make?
| Scissor | Tip | Blade lengths | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westcott tenotomy | Blunt | 4, 11, 15, 19, 23, 25 mm | Stainless |
| Westcott tenotomy, ceramic coated | Blunt | 4 to 25 mm | Ceramic coated |
| Westcott tenotomy, titanium | Blunt | 4 to 25 mm | Titanium |
| Westcott stitch | Sharp | 19, 23, 25 mm | Stainless |
| Westcott stitch, ceramic coated | Sharp | 19 to 25 mm | Ceramic coated |
| Westcott stitch, titanium | Sharp | 19 to 25 mm | Titanium |
All are 4 5/8 inches (about 11.7 cm) overall.
What is a blade breaker?
| Instrument | Length |
|---|---|
| Castroviejo blade breaker and holder | 10 cm |
| Barraquer blade breaker and holder | 10.5 cm |
| Swiss blade breaker and holder | 12 cm |
| Breakable blades, box of 10, box of 50 |
A blade breaker snaps a breakable razor blade to a small fragment and holds it, giving a very sharp, inexpensive knife for fine incisions. Hold the blade end away from you when breaking it, and discard used fragments in a sharps container.
How do you choose blade length and finish?
- Blunt or sharp. Blunt tenotomy tips for dissection, sharp stitch tips for sutures.
- Blade length. Short blades give the finest control, longer blades cut more per closure.
- Finish. Ceramic coating is harder than steel and holds the edge for longer. Titanium is lighter and non magnetic.
How should micro scissors be cleaned?
Clean micro scissors separately from heavy instruments, and protect the tips with a guard. Never test sharpness on hard material. Lubricate the joint with instrument milk. Never leave instruments in saline, because it causes corrosion. Our instrument care guide gives the full routine, and the CDC guidance on cleaning instruments before sterilization explains why cleaning comes before the autoclave.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Westcott tenotomy and stitch scissors?
Tenotomy scissors have blunt tips for dissection. Stitch scissors have sharp tips for sutures and fine tissue.
Are titanium Westcott scissors worth it?
They are lighter and non magnetic, and some surgeons prefer the feel. Steel versions cut equally well and cost less.
What does ceramic coated mean?
A hard ceramic layer on the blades that keeps them sharp over more uses than plain steel.
Can micro scissors be autoclaved?
Yes. Use a tip guard and a separate tray so the tips are not damaged.
Related instrument guides
- Lid speculum types
- Oculoplastic and lacrimal instruments
- Plastic surgery scissors
- Ophthalmic calipers and rulers
Order micro scissors
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