Ranking Table

150 Surgical Forceps Ranked By Typical Length

Compare 150 named surgical forceps by typical overall length, with action and common use fields that help students and techs identify similar patterns.

Priya Raman · Published Sep 25, 2026 · 1 Min Read

This table ranks 100 a named surgical forceps patterns by Typical Length, highest first, with Typical Length, Action, Common Use for every entry and a one-line reason for each position. The figures are model-estimated, not measured; the method and its limits are below. At the top: Chevalier-Jackson Esophageal Foreign-Body Forceps at 50.

Click any column header to sort; type in the filter box to narrow the 100 rows.

Model-estimated ranking, methodology below. Every figure is an estimate produced for this table, not a measurement; treat the order as directional.

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#	Forceps Pattern	Typical Length (cm)	Action	Common Use	Rationale
1	Chevalier-Jackson Esophageal Foreign-Body Forceps	50	Alligator-jaw grasping	Removing foreign bodies from the esophagus	Its very long rigid shaft is designed to reach through an esophagoscope.
2	Piper Obstetrical Forceps	44	Fenestrated traction	Delivering the after-coming head in breech birth	Extended shanks provide access around the delivered fetal body during breech delivery.
3	Brüning Bronchial Forceps	42	Distal-jaw grasping	Removing bronchial foreign bodies	The long narrow shaft is sized for use through a rigid bronchoscope.
4	Hawks-Dennen Obstetrical Forceps	41.5	Fenestrated traction	Rotational and mid-cavity assisted delivery	Long shanks and a pronounced pelvic curve suit deeper obstetric applications.
5	Kielland Obstetrical Forceps	41	Sliding-lock rotational traction	Rotating and delivering a malpositioned fetal head	Its long nearly straight blades and sliding lock support deep rotational delivery.
6	Jackson Alligator Forceps	40.5	Distal alligator-jaw grasping	Extracting airway or esophageal foreign bodies	A long tubular shaft carries the jaws to confined ENT and airway sites.
7	Tarnier Axis-Traction Forceps	40	Axis-directed traction	Assisted delivery along the pelvic axis	Its traction rods and obstetric blades create a comparatively long instrument.
8	Barton Obstetrical Forceps	39.5	Rotational traction	Assisted delivery in transverse arrest	Long asymmetric blades are intended for deep application to a transverse head.
9	Neville-Barnes Obstetrical Forceps	39	Fenestrated traction	Mid-cavity assisted vaginal delivery	The traditional long blades and shanks place it among larger obstetric patterns.
10	McLean-Luikart Obstetrical Forceps	38.5	Fenestrated traction	General assisted vaginal delivery	Long shanks and pseudofenestrated blades give substantial reach and leverage.
11	Simpson-Luikart Obstetrical Forceps	38	Pseudofenestrated traction	Assisted delivery of a molded fetal head	Its elongated cephalic curve and long handles suit mid-cavity application.
12	DeLee Obstetrical Forceps	37.5	Fenestrated traction	Mid-forceps assisted delivery	Long blades and shanks provide the reach expected of a mid-forceps pattern.
13	Naegele Obstetrical Forceps	37	Fenestrated traction	Assisted vaginal delivery	A full pelvic curve and extended handles make this a long conventional delivery forceps.
14	Tucker-McLane Obstetrical Forceps	36.5	Solid-blade traction	Assisted delivery of a rounded fetal head	Its long solid blades and robust shanks are sized for general obstetric traction.
15	Simpson Obstetrical Forceps	36	Fenestrated traction	Assisted delivery of an elongated molded head	Long separated blades accommodate molding and place the pattern above most hand forceps.
16	Elliot Obstetrical Forceps	35.5	Adjustable-lock traction	Assisted delivery of an unmolded fetal head	Its full-length blades and adjustable lock produce a large but slightly shorter pattern.
17	Laufe Obstetrical Forceps	35	Rotational traction	Rotation and assisted vaginal delivery	Moderately long curved blades balance rotational control with obstetric reach.
18	Milne-Murray Obstetrical Forceps	34.5	Axis-oriented traction	Assisted vaginal delivery	Long obstetric blades provide mid-cavity reach without the extreme length of traction models.
19	Babcock Laparoscopic Grasping Forceps	33	Atraumatic fenestrated grasping	Holding bowel, appendix, or fallopian tube	Its atraumatic jaws sit on a standard 33 cm laparoscopic shaft.
20	DeBakey Laparoscopic Grasping Forceps	33	Atraumatic serrated grasping	Handling bowel and vascular tissue laparoscopically	Standard adult versions pair fine DeBakey jaws with a long laparoscopic shaft.
21	Dolphin-Nose Laparoscopic Grasping Forceps	33	Tapered atraumatic grasping	General tissue manipulation in laparoscopy	The tapered jaws add little length beyond the standard laparoscopic shaft.
22	Johann Laparoscopic Grasping Forceps	33	Fenestrated atraumatic grasping	Holding tissue during laparoscopic surgery	The common reusable pattern uses a standard long laparoscopic working shaft.
23	Kelly Laparoscopic Dissecting Forceps	33	Curved-jaw grasping and dissection	Dissection and pedicle handling in laparoscopy	Its shaft follows the common 33 cm adult laparoscopic format.
24	Laparoscopic Rat-Tooth Grasping Forceps	33	Toothed secure grasping	Holding tough tissue during laparoscopic procedures	A standard 33 cm shaft provides reach while toothed jaws secure resistant tissue.
25	Maryland Laparoscopic Dissecting Forceps	33	Curved-jaw dissecting and grasping	Blunt dissection and vessel handling in laparoscopy	A standard adult laparoscopic shaft accounts for nearly all of its 33 cm length.
26	bierer ovum forceps	28	Ratchet-locking oval jaws	Uterine evacuation and removal of retained tissue	A long uterine reach places this pattern among the largest non-obstetrical forceps.
27	winter ovum forceps	28	Ratchet-locking fenestrated jaws	Removing placental or conception tissue from the uterus	Its long shaft permits controlled access through the cervix into the uterine cavity.
28	hulka uterine tenaculum forceps	27	Locking opposed-point jaws	Grasping and stabilizing the cervix during uterine manipulation	The extended shaft accommodates cervical control during deep pelvic procedures.
29	maier sponge forceps	26.5	Ratchet-locking ring jaws	Holding swabs for deep-cavity preparation or dissection	Its elongated shanks provide reach for swabbing deep operative fields.
30	satinsky tangential occlusion forceps	26.5	Ratcheted, angled partial-occlusion clamping	Tangential clamping of major blood vessels	Its long angled jaws provide reach and partial vascular occlusion, placing it at the upper end of this group.
31	bozeman uterine dressing forceps	26	Locking curved serrated jaws	Placing or removing uterine and vaginal dressings	The characteristic long double curve supports access to the uterus and upper vagina.
32	bozeman-douglas uterine dressing forceps	26	Ratchet-locking angled jaws	Handling dressings in the uterus or deep pelvis	Its deep pelvic curvature and long working shaft account for the 26 cm size.
33	debakey aortic aneurysm forceps	26	Ratcheted atraumatic vascular clamping	Occlusion of the aorta during vascular repair	A long shaft and extended atraumatic jaws are standard for deep aortic exposure.
34	cheron uterine dressing forceps	25.5	Ratchet-locking serrated jaws	Applying antiseptic swabs and handling uterine dressings	The slim extended shaft is designed to carry dressings through the cervical canal.
35	cooley aortic forceps	25.5	Ratcheted atraumatic vascular clamping	Aortic and large-vessel occlusion	Its elongated vascular profile is typically slightly shorter than the largest Satinsky and DeBakey patterns.
36	collin uterine dressing forceps	25	Ratchet-locking curved jaws	Introducing or retrieving uterine and vaginal packing	A long curved profile gives this dressing pattern substantial pelvic reach.
37	crafoord aortic forceps	25	Ratcheted curved vascular clamping	Cross-clamping the aorta and large vessels	The deep curved jaws and long handles suit major-vessel work and commonly measure about 25 cm.
38	heywood-smith ovum forceps	25	Locking fenestrated jaws	Removing retained products of conception	Its extended narrow form provides uterine reach but is shorter than many 28 cm ovum patterns.
39	sauerbruch lung grasping forceps	25	Ratchet-locking atraumatic jaws	Holding lung tissue during thoracic surgery	Thoracic depth requires a long shaft while broad jaws reduce trauma to lung tissue.
40	schroeder uterine tenaculum forceps	25	Locking sharp-hook jaws	Securing the cervix for gynecologic procedures	Its long shanks position the locking handles away from the operative cervix.
41	bonney myomectomy forceps	24.5	Heavy ratchet-locking jaws	Grasping fibroids and controlling uterine tissue	Strong elongated shanks provide leverage for traction on dense uterine fibroids.
42	glover vascular forceps	24.5	Ratcheted angled vascular clamping	Partial or complete occlusion of large vessels	This vascular clamp needs substantial reach but is generally shorter than full-length aortic patterns.
43	Magill intubation forceps	24.5	scissor-action, non-ratcheted	guiding tracheal tubes and removing pharyngeal foreign bodies	The adult pattern requires long angled jaws to reach the pharynx while keeping the hand outside the airway.
44	zeppelin hysterectomy forceps	24.5	Ratchet-locking curved jaws	Clamping uterine pedicles during hysterectomy	The long curved jaws reach deep pelvic pedicles while maintaining firm compression.
45	crafoord-sellors dissecting forceps	24	Spring-action tissue grasping and dissection	Deep thoracic dissection	Its long bayonet-like profile is designed for access within the chest and commonly reaches 24 cm.
46	dennis intestinal anastomosis forceps	24	Locking longitudinal atraumatic jaws	Approximating or occluding bowel during anastomosis	Its extended jaws span bowel segments while the long handles remain outside the wound.
47	doyen stomach forceps	24	Ratcheted atraumatic bowel clamping	Temporary occlusion of the stomach or bowel	Its broad noncrushing jaws span hollow viscera and are usually mounted on a long frame.
48	foerster sponge forceps	24	Ratchet-locking fenestrated ring jaws	Holding sponges for preparation, dissection, or hemostasis	The common adult version balances deep-field reach with general-purpose handling.
49	Kevorkian-Younge uterine biopsy forceps	24	scissor-action, biting jaws	obtaining cervical and endometrial biopsy specimens	Its long shaft provides access through a vaginal speculum, placing it among the longer biopsy forceps.
50	museux vulsellum forceps	24	Ratchet-locking multi-tooth jaws	Grasping the cervix or firm uterine tissue	Long shanks allow strong cervical traction from outside the vaginal operative field.
51	payr intestinal crushing forceps	24	Heavy ratchet-locking crushing jaws	Crushing bowel before transection or resection	Substantial length and leverage support firm compression across intestinal tissue.
52	rampley sponge forceps	24	Ratchet-locking oval ring jaws	Holding swabs during surgical preparation and cavity work	Its long handles keep the operator clear while a swab reaches recessed anatomy.
53	sarot bronchial forceps	24	Ratcheted curved bronchial clamping	Clamping a bronchus during lung resection	Long curved jaws are needed to reach and secure bronchi in deep thoracic fields.
54	sopher ovum forceps	24	Locking serrated fenestrated jaws	Uterine evacuation and placental tissue removal	A moderately long shaft gives uterine access without the reach of larger ovum forceps.
55	duval lung grasping forceps	23.5	Ratchet-locking triangular fenestrated jaws	Atraumatically grasping lung tissue	The thoracic shaft is long enough for chest access while broad jaws distribute pressure.
56	lane stomach forceps	23.5	Ratcheted gastrointestinal clamping	Holding or occluding the stomach during resection	The long jaws accommodate gastric tissue while the extended handles provide leverage.
57	Sims uterine dressing forceps	23.5	ring-handled, ratcheted	placing dressings and packing in the uterus or vagina	A long slender profile is standard for reaching the uterine cavity during gynecologic procedures.
58	Wittner uterine biopsy forceps	23.5	scissor-action, biting jaws	cervical and uterine tissue biopsy	The pattern uses a long access shaft comparable to other transcervical biopsy instruments.
59	desjardins gallstone forceps	23	Ring-handled locking scoop jaws	Extracting stones from the bile duct or gallbladder	The narrow curved shaft supplies biliary reach while the terminal jaws capture stones.
60	doyen intestinal forceps	23	Ratchet-locking atraumatic longitudinal jaws	Temporary noncrushing occlusion of bowel	Its medium-long blades accommodate bowel loops without the bulk of crushing patterns.
61	glassman intestinal forceps	23	Locking atraumatic serrated jaws	Occluding bowel during resection and anastomosis	The standard adult size provides adequate bowel span and operative-field clearance.
62	Kantrowitz thoracic forceps	23	ring-handled, ratcheted	deep thoracic dissection and clamping	Extended shanks permit work within the chest while the curved jaws reach around deep structures.
63	kocher intestinal forceps	23	Ratcheted intestinal clamping	Occluding bowel during gastrointestinal surgery	A standard adult pattern combines long bowel-spanning jaws with handles near 23 cm overall.
64	mayo-guyon renal pedicle forceps	23	Ratcheted curved pedicle clamping	Clamping the renal pedicle during nephrectomy	Deep access to the renal hilum requires a long, strongly curved clamping instrument.
65	randall kidney stone forceps	23	Spring-handled curved grasping jaws	Retrieving calculi from the renal pelvis or ureter	A long slender shaft and curved tip are needed to reach calculi within the urinary tract.
66	scudder intestinal forceps	23	Ratcheted atraumatic intestinal clamping	Temporary bowel occlusion during resection	Its lengthy flexible jaws are sized to cross bowel without the bulk of longer gastric clamps.
67	Smith-Buxton uterine biopsy forceps	23	scissor-action, biting jaws	sampling cervical or endometrial tissue	Transcervical access calls for a notably longer instrument than ordinary tissue forceps.
68	Walsham nasal bone forceps	23	plunger-grip, non-ratcheted	reducing displaced nasal bones	Long handles provide leverage while the narrow protected jaws engage nasal bones internally and externally.
69	wertheim hysterectomy forceps	23	Heavy ratchet-locking curved jaws	Clamping deep uterine and parametrial pedicles	Deep pelvic pedicle control calls for a robust forceps with moderately extended reach.
70	young renal pedicle forceps	23	Ratcheted angled pedicle clamping	Securing renal vessels and pedicle tissue	Its extended shanks and angled jaws provide the reach needed around the kidney.
71	gemini dissecting and ligature forceps	22.9	Ratcheted right-angle grasping and clamping	Passing ligatures around deep vessels and ducts	The long right-angle pattern is intended for deep cavities and is commonly cataloged at about 23 cm.
72	Asch septum straightening forceps	22.5	hinged, non-ratcheted	straightening or repositioning the nasal septum	Elongated fenestrated blades and leverage-producing handles make this a relatively long nasal pattern.
73	lahey gall duct forceps	22.5	Ratcheted right-angle clamping and dissection	Dissecting and clamping biliary ducts	A long angled tip supports controlled work around the common bile duct in a deep field.
74	Mixter right-angle forceps	22.5	ring-handled, ratcheted	passing ligatures around deep vessels and ducts	The commonly cataloged long version has extended shanks for deep abdominal and thoracic ligature work.
75	moynihan gallbladder forceps	22.5	Ratcheted curved grasping	Grasping the gallbladder or biliary tissues	Its curved jaws and long shanks offer deep upper-abdominal access without a full vascular-clamp length.
76	Roberts artery forceps	22.5	ring-handled, ratcheted	clamping vessels in deep operative fields	Its long shanks and curved jaws are designed for hemostasis below the surface of the wound.
77	Giertz-Stille hysterectomy forceps	22	ring-handled, ratcheted	clamping uterine pedicles during hysterectomy	Long jaws and shanks accommodate deep pelvic pedicles while remaining manageable through an open incision.
78	price-thomas bronchial forceps	22	Ratcheted bronchial clamping	Occluding a bronchus during thoracic surgery	Its thoracic reach is substantial, though the compact bronchial jaws keep it shorter than Sarot patterns.
79	Semb dissecting forceps	22	ring-handled, ratcheted	thoracic dissection and vessel clamping	Thoracic access favors longer shanks, although this pattern remains shorter than the longest chest clamps.
80	Tudor Edwards artery forceps	22	ring-handled, ratcheted	deep thoracic hemostasis and dissection	The extended curved working end is intended for vessels encountered in deep chest procedures.
81	Bryant dressing forceps	21.5	thumb forceps, spring-action	placing dressings in deep wounds or cavities	The standard long dressing form extends reach while retaining the simple spring action of thumb forceps.
82	heaney hysterectomy forceps	21.5	Ratcheted curved pedicle clamping	Clamping uterine ligaments and vascular pedicles	The robust curved jaws and long handles are proportioned for deep pelvic pedicles.
83	heaney-ballantine hysterectomy forceps	21.5	Ratcheted longitudinally serrated clamping	Securing uterine pedicles during hysterectomy	Its pelvic working length closely matches the standard Heaney while adding distinctive jaw serrations.
84	masterson hysterectomy forceps	21.5	Ratcheted curved pedicle clamping	Clamping broad-ligament and uterine pedicles	The long curved pattern is designed for secure placement on deep pelvic tissue bundles.
85	Teale vulsellum forceps	21.5	ring-handled, ratcheted	grasping the cervix or uterine tissue	Its pelvic reach and toothed grasping jaws make it longer than most routine tissue-holding forceps.
86	Wangensteen dissecting forceps	21.5	ring-handled, ratcheted	deep blunt dissection and vascular clamping	Long curved shanks support dissection in deep abdominal or thoracic fields without excessive bulk.
87	faure uterine artery forceps	21	Ratcheted curved vascular clamping	Securing uterine arteries and pelvic pedicles	A moderately long curved frame provides pelvic reach without the extra length of major vascular clamps.
88	green-armytage uterine forceps	21	Ratcheted broad-jaw grasping	Clamping uterine incision edges at cesarean delivery	Broad jaws require enough shaft length for uterine access while remaining more compact than deep pedicle clamps.
89	Kelly gallbladder forceps	21	ring-handled, ratcheted	grasping the gallbladder and biliary tissue	Biliary exposure requires more reach than general hemostats, yielding a typical length near 21 centimeters.
90	ochsner hysterectomy forceps	21	Ratcheted toothed pedicle clamping	Clamping dense uterine and ligamentous pedicles	Strong toothed jaws and long handles provide leverage for substantial pelvic pedicles.
91	Overholt dissecting forceps	21	ring-handled, ratcheted	blunt dissection and passing ligatures around vessels	Its angled jaws and moderately long shanks suit deep dissection but are shorter than major thoracic clamps.
92	phaneuf uterine artery forceps	21	Ratcheted angled vascular clamping	Clamping uterine vessels during hysterectomy	Its angled jaws reach lateral uterine vessels, with a typical adult length around 21 cm.
93	Potts-Smith dissecting forceps	21	thumb forceps, spring-action	atraumatic cardiovascular tissue handling	The adult cardiovascular pattern commonly uses a long narrow body for controlled work in deep fields.
94	Blake gallstone forceps	20.5	ring-handled, non-ratcheted	removing calculi from the gallbladder or bile duct	Its elongated shaft reaches the biliary tract while compact scoop-like jaws limit the overall length.
95	Fergusson lion-jaw bone-holding forceps	20.5	ring-handled, ratcheted	grasping bone fragments during orthopedic surgery	Substantial handles provide leverage, but the common general orthopedic version remains moderately sized.
96	Knight nasal septum forceps	20.5	hinged, non-ratcheted	fracturing and repositioning the nasal septum	Leveraged handles and intranasal blades give this septal instrument a medium-long overall profile.
97	mikulicz peritoneal forceps	20.5	Ratcheted tissue grasping and clamping	Holding peritoneal edges during abdominal closure	It is long enough to reach abdominal wound margins but shorter than most dedicated deep-pelvic clamps.
98	Jansen-Middleton septum forceps	20	compound-action, biting jaws	removing portions of nasal septal cartilage and bone	Its compound mechanism adds handle length while the working shaft remains sized for intranasal access.
99	Luc nasal forceps	20	ring-handled, biting jaws	removing nasal and sinus tissue or bone	The standard adult pattern balances sinus reach with compact jaws, clustering around 20 centimeters.
100	Rochester-Carmalt forceps	20	ring-handled, ratcheted	clamping large vascular pedicles and tissue bundles	The commonly used long adult size provides pedicle control without the extra reach of specialized pelvic clamps.

Methodology. Typical length estimates represent the median standard adult size found across current manufacturer catalogs and established instrument references. When a pattern has several sizes, the most commonly listed general-purpose version is used. Catalog dimensions vary by maker and should not be treated as procurement specifications. Rows are ranked by Typical Length (highest first); the rationale column states why each entry sits where it does.

How This Ranking Was Built

Typical length estimates represent the median standard adult size found across current manufacturer catalogs and established instrument references. When a pattern has several sizes, the most commonly listed general-purpose version is used. Catalog dimensions vary by maker and should not be treated as procurement specifications. This is a model-estimated ranking: the values were produced by a language model asked for consistent estimates across rows, then sorted and rank-checked by code. Treat the order as directional and check any single figure against a primary source before relying on it.

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