Electrosurgical forceps look much like ordinary surgical forceps, but how the current flows changes how they are used, what they connect to and how you choose them. This guide explains bipolar versus monopolar forceps, what non-stick and irrigation tips are for, and the common patterns you'll see on a listing, such as Adson, Cushing, Gerald, Jansen and Malis.
What is the difference between bipolar and monopolar forceps?
Quick answer With bipolar forceps, current flows between the two tips, so only the tissue held between them is in the circuit. With monopolar forceps, current flows from the single active instrument through the patient to a separate return electrode.
- Bipolar: each tine of the forceps is one electrode, and the tines are insulated from each other along the shaft. Bipolar forceps connect to the bipolar output of an electrosurgical generator with a bipolar cable. They are widely used for precise coagulation of small vessels in neurosurgery, ophthalmic, plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Monopolar: the forceps act as the active electrode, and the circuit is completed through a patient return electrode (dispersive pad). Monopolar forceps are often activated by a footswitch or, on hand-switch designs, a button on the instrument.
Generator outputs, connector types and cable pin layouts vary. Before ordering, confirm that the forceps, the cable and your generator are compatible.
| Bipolar | Monopolar | |
|---|---|---|
| Current path | Between the two tips | From the instrument through the patient to a return electrode |
| Circuit | Each tine is one electrode | Patient return electrode (dispersive pad) |
| Connection | Bipolar output, bipolar cable | Monopolar output; footswitch or hand switch |
| Our range | Non-stick, irrigation, neurosurgical, ophthalmic, plastic & reconstructive | Hand-switch (Jansen bayonet, Potts-Smith) |
What do non-stick bipolar forceps do?
Quick answer Non-stick tips are designed to reduce tissue sticking to the tips during coagulation, so the tips stay cleaner between applications.
Tissue build-up on the tips (eschar) means more wiping during a case and more cleaning afterwards. Our Non-Stick Bipolar Forceps include the Adson (MP-470), Cushing (MP-490), Gerald Bayonet (MP-570), Jansen Bayonet (MP-580), McPherson and Jeweler patterns.
What are irrigation bipolar forceps?
Quick answer Irrigation forceps have a built-in channel that delivers saline to the tips during coagulation.
The saline line runs along one tine and connects to an irrigation source, so fluid reaches the tips as the forceps are used. Our Irrigation collection includes the Cushing Irrigation Forceps (MP-670) and bayonet versions in Gerald, Jansen and Hardy patterns. The channel needs attention during reprocessing, so check that your cleaning process covers lumens.
What are hand-switch monopolar forceps?
Quick answer Hand-switch forceps have a built-in switch, so the surgeon can activate coagulation from the instrument instead of a footswitch.
The Jansen Bayonet Hand Switch Monopolar Forceps (5.5″ and 7.5″, 2 mm tip) and Potts-Smith Hand Switch Monopolar Forceps (8.25″ and 9.5″, 2 mm tip) are in our Hand Switch collection. Please contact us to confirm generator and cable compatibility before ordering.
What do the pattern names mean?
Quick answer The pattern name describes the forceps' shape (straight, bayonet, fine or broad tips), not the electrical type. The same pattern can come in standard, non-stick or irrigation versions.
- Adson: a short, straight forceps with fine tips, commonly used in plastic and reconstructive work. See the Adson Plastic & Reconstructive Forceps (MP-240).
- Cushing: a longer, straight forceps that gives more reach than an Adson. See the Cushing Plastic & Reconstructive Forceps (MP-220).
- Gerald: a fine-tipped pattern offered straight, curved and bayonet. See the Gerald Bayonet (MP-290).
- Jansen: a bayonet pattern. The offset shaft keeps the surgeon's hand out of the line of sight in deep or narrow fields. See the Jansen Bayonet Neurosurgical Bipolar Forceps (MP-330).
- Malis: a neurosurgical bipolar pattern for deep, narrow operative fields. See the Malis Neurosurgical Bipolar Forceps (MP-350).
- Hardy and Scoville-Greenwood: further neurosurgical patterns, offered in bayonet, angled, non-stick and irrigation versions.
- McPherson, Jeweler and coaptation: fine-tipped ophthalmic patterns. See our Ophthalmic Bipolar Forceps.
How to choose electrosurgical forceps
- Specialty: start with the neurosurgical, ophthalmic or plastic & reconstructive range.
- Shaft: straight for open, shallow fields, or bayonet for deep or microscope work.
- Tip: tip width and length depend on the size of the tissue and vessels you work on.
- Tip type: standard, non-stick or irrigation.
- Connection: confirm the connector, cable and generator before ordering.
- Reprocessing: inspect the insulation and tips at every cycle, and include irrigation channels in cleaning.
Featured in this guide
Adson Non-Stick Bipolar ForcepsMP-470
Cushing Irrigation ForcepsMP-670
Malis Neurosurgical Bipolar ForcepsMP-350
Jansen Bayonet Hand Switch Monopolar ForcepsMP-720 / MP-721
The full range is in the Electrosurgical collection.
FAQ
Can I use bipolar forceps on a monopolar output?
No. Bipolar forceps are designed for a generator's bipolar output and the matching cable. Always follow the generator manufacturer's instructions and the instrument's instructions for use.
Are non-stick and irrigation features available together?
They are listed as separate ranges in our catalog. Tell us the pattern and tip you need, and we'll confirm what's available.
Are your electrosurgical forceps reusable?
Yes. Our surgical and electrosurgical instruments are designed for repeated clinical use and are compatible with standard hospital sterilization, including steam, when proper cleaning and maintenance procedures are followed. Always follow the specific care instructions provided with each instrument.
Where can I get tip widths, lengths and connector details?
Email info@medicalplusinc.com or call (516) 450-0879 with the catalog number (MP-…). We also quote bulk and OEM orders.