Mayo scissors are heavy-duty surgical scissors designed for cutting fascia. It got its name from Mayo Clinic. These scissors were developed by Mayo Clinic surgeons.
Features
Mayo Scissors have semi-blunt ends, a feature that distinguishes them from most other surgical scissors. The Metzenbaum surgical scissor also has similar ends and has a close resemblance to Mayo scissors, but its handles are longer. The Metzenbaum’s middle section is slightly narrower as well.
Mayo scissors may be made from stainless steel or titanium and have a polished or brushed finish. These scissors are available in standard or extra-long sizes.
Types
These surgical scissors may come in straight or curved varieties, each suited to specific surgical applications.
Straight-bladed - designed for cutting body tissues near the surface of a wound. They are also ideal for cutting sutures. They are sometimes referred to as suture scissors.
Curved-bladed - designed to allow deeper penetration into the wound. It is used to cut thick tissues.
Uses
Straight-bladed Mayo scissors are designed for cutting body tissues near the surface of the wound. It is also used for cutting sutures, or stitches, and are sold as suture scissors. Many surgeons use separate pairs of straight-bladed Mayo scissors for tissue and suture cutting since using the scissor on sutures tends to dull its blades.
Curved-bladed Mayo scissor styles allow deeper penetration into the wound than the type with straight blades. The curved style is used to cut thick tissues such as those found in the uterus, muscles, breast and foot. Mayo scissors used for dissection are placed in tissue with the tips closed. The scissors are then opened so that the tips open and spread out the tissue during the dissection process.
These scissors are especially suited for cutting fascia. Fascia is a tri-layered, connective tissue located between skin and muscles.