Potts-Smith Vascular Scissors 19cm | Angled 25°, Stainless Steel

What are Potts-Smith scissors?

Potts-Smith scissors are vascular surgical scissors, used to cut and extend incisions in blood vessels during vascular and cardiothoracic surgery. This version measures 19cm long with a 25° angled blade, made from surgical-grade stainless steel. The angled blade gives surgeons a clear line of sight and better access to vessels in deep or narrow surgical fields, where a straight-bladed scissor would obstruct the view.

What are these scissors used for?

Surgeons use Potts-Smith scissors to extend vascular incisions during procedures such as arteriotomy, coronary artery bypass grafting, and aortic repair. Additionally, the fine, angled tips allow precise dissection of delicate tissue and vessels in confined operative sites. Consequently, this instrument is a standard choice in vascular and cardiothoracic surgical trays.

Product specifications

How does the angled blade help?

The 25° angle lets the surgeon approach a vessel from a more natural hand position, without the shank of the scissor blocking the view of the surgical field. As a result, this design gives more control and visibility during arteriotomy extension than a straight-bladed scissor would allow in the same space.

Who should use this instrument?

This scissor suits vascular surgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and surgical assistants working in procedures that involve vessel incision or fine tissue dissection. Additionally, the adjustable screw at the joint allows staff to fine-tune blade tension to their preference.

How do I clean and sterilise these scissors?

Clean the instrument thoroughly after each use, then autoclave it before use on a new patient, following your practice’s standard sterilisation protocol. Since the stainless steel resists corrosion, the blades hold their sharpness through repeated sterilisation cycles, so the scissors stay reliable for long-term theatre use.

Why choose these Potts-Smith scissors?

The angled blade design gives precise control in deep, narrow surgical fields where a straight scissor would struggle. Furthermore, the stainless steel build withstands the sterilisation demands of a busy cardiothoracic or vascular theatre, making this a dependable addition to any surgical set.