Mayo scissors are primarily used for which surgical task?

Mayo scissors are specifically designed for the purpose of cutting and dissecting soft tissue during surgical procedures. Their robust construction and wide blades make them particularly effective for this task, allowing veterinarians to make clean cuts through thicker tissues, such as fascia or muscle, while minimizing excessive trauma to the surrounding structures.

The design of Mayo scissors, which often feature a straight and curved blade option, facilitates a range of surgical maneuvers, making them versatile instruments in the operating room. Their ability to handle tougher tissues, compared to other scissors that might be better suited for delicate tasks, underscores their primary use in soft tissue dissection and cutting. In contrast, other instruments are more suitable for tasks such as clamping blood vessels, handling fine tissue, or atraumatic viscera handling.