Guides
Surgical instrument buying guides
Practical guides for matching surgical instruments and endoscopes before you buy. Each one explains what to compare and which details to verify.
Matching and comparing equipment
Start here if you are replacing an item or comparing options across brands.
- New and used surgical instruments: a buyer's guideBefore you buy used surgical instruments, check the exact identity and markings first. Then check the included parts, the actual-item photos and the purchase terms. Clear Choice Medical applies the same terms to new and used stock: a 30-day warranty against functional defects, and all sales are final.
- How to compare Karl Storz, Olympus and Stryker endoscopesNo single brand is the right choice for every facility, because Karl Storz, Olympus and Stryker each make several endoscope families. The camera and light system you already own usually decides the match, so compare endoscopes model by model against that system. You can buy from the maker under its own warranty and service terms, or from an independent reseller under the reseller's terms.
- Rigid endoscope angles, diameters and working length explainedRigid endoscopes are sized by outer diameter in millimeters and working length in centimeters, and the angle marked on them is the direction of view. Common sizes run from 2.7 mm to 10 mm across, with lengths from about 18 cm to over 30 cm. Match all three figures, plus the model or reference number where shown, before you treat two endoscopes as the same. This endoscope angle guide lists example sizes by scope type and explains each measurement.
- How to match a rigid endoscope to your camera and light sourceTo match a rigid endoscope to your camera and light source, check four connections: two for the image and two for the light guide cable. The eyepiece must fit your coupler or camera head, and the light guide must fit the scope's light post and your light source port. The camera head must belong to your console's family, and the cable's fiber bundle should be sized to the scope.
- Surgical instrument sets: what to check before you buyBefore you buy surgical instrument sets, read the listing title and the actual-item photos together. Count the pieces, then compare each piece's pattern, size and markings with the instruments you already use.
Instrument types
Each guide explains the patterns within one instrument type and the details to compare.
- Types of surgical forceps: uses, parts and sizesThe main types of surgical forceps are thumb forceps, ring-handled forceps and long-shaft forceps. Thumb forceps grasp and hold tissue, ring-handled hemostats clamp blood vessels, and long-shaft forceps carry small jaws at the end of a shaft. Ring-handled forceps have jaws, a box lock and shanks, plus a ratchet and finger rings. This guide explains each type, its parts and what to compare before you buy.
- Hand-held and self-retaining retractors: a buyer's guideSelf-retaining retractors hold themselves open once they are set. Hand-held retractors do not, so someone holds them in place. Start with that mechanism, then compare the pattern name, dimensions and included parts.
Specialty guides
Each specialty guide covers one instrument family in more depth.
- Orthopedic rongeursCompare rongeur styles, jaw patterns and lengths before you match an instrument.
- Arthroscopic shaversCompare shaver handpieces and blades by brand, model and system details.
- Laparoscopic trocarsCompare trocar diameter, length and valve style before you match a cannula.
- Kerrison rongeursUp-bite and down-bite Kerrison rongeurs across bite widths and footplate patterns.
- ENT rigid scopesCompare ENT rigid endoscopes by outer diameter, direction of view and working length.
- Urology working elementsCompare resectoscope working elements by mechanism and system details.
Selling equipment
Clear Choice Medical also buys equipment from healthcare facilities.
Reference
Look up a term you meet in a listing or a guide.