transitioning forehand to backhand

[TheLesPaul]

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Can anyone speak to the best way to transition between forehand and backhand grip on a needle, only using one hand, with a smaller, curved needleholder (e.g., Castroviejo). And would this work with a spatulated needle? Thanks.

 

[bc65]

Gently release the needle holder, very slightly, just enough to allow the needle to be moved slightly within the jaws of the instrument. Then, with the needle still in place, push the side of the tip of the needle against the tissue or the drapes. That will rotate the needle around its axis ( the axis being the point held in the jaws) and flip it around in the jaws to the direction you want it to go. With a minute of practice you can perform that maneuver automatically. I do it often because I work ambidextrously, and it's apparently not well known because it frequently surprises scrub techs and other surgeons. It's much faster than having the scrub tech change the needle. It will work with a Castroviejo, although it might take a little more practice to control the instrument.