Exploring ENT Instruments Names With Their Functions

ENT instruments are used to diagnose complications related to the ear, nose, and throat.

ENT instruments are used to diagnose complications related to the ear, nose, and throat. The surgeons who specialize in this field are known as otolaryngologists. These instruments are used for both routine examinations and complex surgeries. They are carefully designed with delicacy to deal with these sensitive parts of the body. They take a detailed and accurate view of these regions for proper examination.

In this blog, we will take an overview of some basic ENT surgical instruments, along with their design and function.

1. Otoscope: It is an instrument that otolaryngologists use to examine the ear canal and eardrum. It consists of a lens with high-magnification power for a clear view. It consists of a handle and a working end with a light source, lens, and speculum. The speculum is a cone-shaped structure that is inserted into the ear canal for clear internal visualization. It is used for the diagnosis of ear complications such as blockages, injuries, or any microbial infection.

2. Nasal Speculum: It is a medical instrument that is designed for performing minor nasal procedures. It consists of blades that are used for the opening of nasal walls. They come in several sizes to accommodate the anatomies of patients of different ages.

3. Tongue Depressor: This instrument is used to depress the tongue for a clear visualization of the mouth and throat. Their shape is like a spatula and is made of wood or plastic. It diagnoses throat infections, dental infections, and oral cavity checkups. It is disposable to maintain a highly sterilized environment, as the oral cavity is one of the major sources of body infections.

4. Laryngeal Mirror: It is also a medical instrument used to examine the throat internally, especially the voice box. It consists of a needle that is very long and thin. At the end of the needle, there is a circular mirror. It is placed at the back of the patient’s mouth and is angled to provide a clear inside view.

5. Microdebriders: These instruments are not only used for ENT examinations but also for orthopedic procedures. They are used for the removal of unwanted materials and soft tissues. They are power-generated instruments with a strong handpiece and a rotating blade to cut or remove materials simultaneously.

6. Suction tube: It is a medical tube used to remove unwanted fluids and secretions from a surgical site. It mainly consists of a suction machine that draws fluids from the site of operation by generating negative pressure. It comes in different sizes to operate at different sites of the body. They are used for three main purposes:

• To clear the site of operation for better visualization.
• Remove any unwanted material to reduce the risk of infection.
• To remove unwanted cells to facilitate the natural process of healing.

7. Nasal Packing Materials: They are used to control nasal bleeding, known as epistaxis. This is done by applying pressure within the nasal cavity. Which packing material should be used is decided by the surgeon based on the severity of the bleeding and infection. It provides the following benefits:

• Promote the healing process.
• Provide support to the nasal bone.
• Stabilize the site of the fracture.

8. Aural Forceps: They are specially designed to be used in the field of otology (the diagnosis of the ear). They are designed to approach the ear canal and middle ear easily for the removal or diagnosis of any foreign object, cerumen, or debris from the ear canal. They have very long and thin arms. The tips are of different styles, such as angled, straight, or bayonet-shaped with smooth or serrated finish. They are also used to manipulate tissues or place grafts or devices inside the ear.

9. Sinus forceps: These instruments are specialized to treat complications related to sinus cavities. These complications may include sinusitis, nasal polyps, and other conditions. They have long handles with straight or angular tips. They perform different types of functions, like:

• Maxillary Antrostomy is the procedure used for the clearance of sinus openings.
• Polypectomy is the removal of nasal polyps.
• Ethmoidectomy is the removal of sinus cells.

10. Lacrimal probe: It is an instrument used in the field of ophthalmology for the treatment of disorders related to tear drainage systems, which may include the lacrimal sac, lacrimal puncta, and nasolacrimal duct, which control the formation of tears in the eyes. They are thin and have elasticity. Their primary function is to clear any obstructions from the drainage system.

Conclusion

Ear, nose, and throat instruments are fundamental tools for the diagnosis of the upper part of the axial skeleton. They are specially designed with precision and accuracy to handle the complications inside the sensitive parts of the ear, nose, and throat. Some of them are power-generated, while others are hand tools that are operated manually. They not only help during operations but are also effective for post-operative care. The continuous evolution of their design and functionality is playing a critical role in upgrading the supply of healthcare.

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