A needle holder, also sometimes called a suture driver or needle forceps, is a surgical instrument specifically designed for grasping and manipulating suturing needles during wound closure and other procedures.
 
Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Function:
Provides a secure hold on the needle, allowing surgeons for precise suturing with better control.
Helps maneuver the needle through tissue without needing constant squeezing pressure.
 
Components:
Jaws: The grasping part of the instrument, often featuring serrations and a groove to firmly grip the needle and prevent slippage. Some high-quality versions may have tungsten carbide inserts for enhanced grip and durability.
Hinge: Allows the jaws to open and close.
Handles: Typically have finger rings at the ends for comfortable gripping and manipulation.
Ratchet Mechanism: A locking feature present in most needle holders. Squeezing the handles activates the ratchet, which locks the jaws on the needle, freeing the surgeon's hand for other tasks.
 
Types:
There are various types of needle holders designed for specific purposes:
Mayo-Hegar: A popular general-purpose needle holder with a ratchet lock and ringed handles.
Olsen-Hegar: Similar to Mayo-Hegar but with built-in scissors for cutting sutures.
Mathieu: Another common type with a squeezing mechanism to open and close the jaws.
Specialty needle holders: These include options like Brown needle holders for microsurgery with fine jaws or Castroviejo needle holders for ophthalmic procedures.