Green Armytage forceps - history, dimensions, uses & precautions


What is Green Armytage forceps?

Green Armytage forceps are a type of obstetrical forceps used to aid in the delivery of newborns. They bear the names of both the inventor, George Armytage, and the green colour of the handle.

Overview / Product Profile of Green Armytage forceps:

The forceps have a unique serrated jaw that is intended to provide a better grip on the fetal head during delivery. 

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Dimensions:

Length: 

Typically Green Armytage forceps have a length around 17-20 cm (around 6-8 inches)

Width of the jaws: 

Usually the width of the jaws of Green Armytage forceps is around 2-3 cm (around 0.8-1.2 inches)

Serration on jaws:

Generally the Serration on jaws of Green Armytage forceps is around 1.5 mm

Handle length: 

Normally Green Armytage forceps have a handle length of around 6.5 cm - 8 cm (around 2.5 -3.5 inches)

Note: The above dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific design of the instrument. It's always advisable to consult with the manufacturer's specifications and guidance for accurate measurements.

Uses of Green Armytage forceps:

1) Assisted vaginal delivery: The forceps are used to grasp the fetal head and guide it through the birth canal during a prolonged labor or when the baby is in distress.
2) Facilitation of delivery in breech presentations: The forceps can be used to help deliver the baby when it is in a breech position (feet or buttocks first) instead of the head first
3) Facilitation of delivery in congenital anomalies: When the baby has congenital anomalies such as a large head, or the birth canal is narrow, forceps can be used to assist delivery
4) Delivering placenta: If the placenta is not delivered after the baby, the obstetrician may use forceps to help remove the placenta manually.
5) Assisted twin delivery: If the first twin is in a good position for delivery, but the second twin is not, forceps can be used to help deliver the first twin.


Precautions with Armytage forceps:

1) Proper training: It is essential that the obstetrician who is using the forceps is properly trained in their use and has experience with the instrument.
2) Indication for use: The forceps should only be used when necessary and when the obstetrician determines that the use of forceps is the best option for the delivery.
3) Proper positioning: The forceps should be positioned correctly on the fetal head to ensure a safe delivery.
4) Use of anesthesia: If the mother has not received an epidural or other form of anesthesia, it is important to properly administer anesthesia before using the forceps.
5) Careful technique: The obstetrician should use a slow, steady and controlled technique when using the forceps to ensure minimal risk of injury to the mother or the baby.
6) Knowledge of alternative methods: The obstetrician should be able to identify when the use of forceps is no longer appropriate and to proceed with alternative methods of delivery, such as a cesarean section if the vaginal delivery is not safe.
7) Monitoring of the baby: It is important to continuously monitor the baby's heart rate and condition during the procedure, so that any potential issues can be quickly identified and addressed.
8) Documenting procedure: The procedure should be carefully documented, including the indication, the duration of the procedure and any complications that arise, so that they can be referred to later.

History of Green Armytage forceps:

Green Armytage forceps are a type of surgical tool used in obstetrics and gynaecology. They are sometimes referred to as Green forceps or Armytage forceps. Early in the 20th century, British obstetrician and gynaecologist George Armytage created them and was named after him.

After earning his degree from the University of Edinburgh, George Armytage started working as a general practitioner. Later, when he developed an interest in obstetrics and gynaecology, the Bradford Royal Infirmary in West Yorkshire, England, recruited him as a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician in 1909.

Armytage started working on the Green Armytage forceps design while he was a student at Bradford. Armytage and the hue of the handle were used to give the forceps their names, which were created to aid in childbirth. The forceps' design included a distinctive serrated jaw that was meant to help hold the foetal head during delivery.

After being used for the first time in a delivery in 1910, the Green Armytage forceps immediately became common among obstetricians and gynaecologists. In the United Kingdom and other nations, such as the United States, they became commonly utilised.

Armytage worked as a doctor and researcher up until his retirement in 1940. In 1948, he went away. One of his most important contributions to the world of obstetrics and gynaecology is the design of the Green Armytage forceps.

Green Armytage forceps are still often used in childbirth today, and they have undergone numerous design modifications over the years. However, the fundamental layout resembles Armytage's original creation.





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