Helmut Zepf · Collection

Tissue Forcep Collection

A Tissue Forcep is an essential instrument in oral surgery and everyday dental practice, engineered to give clinicians precise, reliable control when grasping, manipulating, or retracting soft tissue during procedures. Whether used for flap handling, suturing, or wound care, a high-quality tissue forcep delivers the tactile feedback and grip security that demanding clinical work requires.

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Since 1921 · Made in GermanyShips from the US
Tissue Forcep Collection
30 instruments
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Guides & charts for this collection

Reference pages already linked from this collection, in one place.

Care guideSurgical Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization GuideGuideSurgical Forceps Identification GuideChartSurgical Instrument Comparison ChartGlossarySurgical Instrument Glossary

Which Tissue Forceps Do You Need?

Pick the pattern first, then the length and tip; every tissue forceps in this collection is linked once below by its Zepf number, and the details repeat the product titles.

Adson and Micro Adson tissue forceps8 items
Zepf No. Pattern or size
22.486.12 Adson, 12 cm (4 3/4")
22.486.15 Adson, 15 cm, 1 x 2 teeth
22.488.12 Micro Adson, 12 cm
22.488.15 Micro Adson, 15 cm, 1 x 2 teeth
22.488.20 Micro Adson, 15 cm, 1 x 2 teeth, curved 30°
22.489.00 Micro Adson, 15 cm, 1 x 2 teeth, 0.6 mm, fine spring, 3 grip holes
22.489.00M Micro Adson, 15 cm, with suture disc, 1.0 x 12 mm, 1 x 2 teeth, fine spring, 3 grip holes
22.489.01 Micro Adson, 15 cm, 0.6 mm, fine spring, 3 grip holes
Semken tissue forceps4 items
Zepf No. Pattern or size
22.480.12 Semken, 1 x 2 teeth, straight, 5"
22.480.15 Semken, 1 x 2 teeth, straight, 6" (15 cm)
22.481.12 Semken, 1 x 2 teeth, curved, 5"
22.481.15 Semken, 1 x 2 teeth, curved, 6" (15 cm)
Standard tissue forceps, 1 x 2 teeth7 items
Zepf No. Pattern or size
22.400.13 1 x 2 teeth, 5"
22.400.14 1 x 2 teeth, 5-1/2"
22.408.11 1 x 2 teeth, narrow, 4"
22.408.13 1 x 2 teeth, narrow, 5"
22.408.14 1 x 2 teeth, narrow, 5-1/2"
22.408.16 1 x 2 teeth, narrow, 6-1/4"
22.408.20 1 x 2 teeth, narrow, 8"
Gillies, Gerald and Potts Smith tissue forceps4 items
Zepf No. Pattern or size
22.416.15 Gillies, straight, 15 cm
22.416.15S Gillies, serrated, 1 x 2 teeth, 15 cm
22.430.17 Gerald, 1 x 2 teeth, 7", straight
22.450.18 Potts Smith, straight, 7"
Atraumatic and micro tissue forceps7 items
Zepf No. Pattern or size
22.610.15 Russian, 15 cm (6")
50.226.16 DeBakey operative forceps, modified, straight, 16 cm, width 1.7 mm
50.229.16 DeBakey operative forceps, modified, angled, 16 cm, width 1.9 mm
22.824.17 Atraumatic soft tissue forceps by Dr. Manfred Beck, 17.5 cm
22.810.17HZU Micro tissue forceps, 17.5 cm, TOUCHGRIP Design
22.811.17HZU Micro tissue forceps, 17.5 cm, 1 x 2 teeth, TOUCHGRIP Design
22.820.17HZU Micro surgical forceps by Dr. Hürzeler and Dr. Zuhr, 17.5 cm, 0.6 mm width, 10 mm long, plane, TOUCHGRIP Design

Toothed vs Atraumatic Tissue Forceps: Which to Use?

A toothed tissue forcep has fine interlocking teeth at the tip — as on the Adson and other 1 x 2 teeth patterns in the chart above — that grip tissue securely with minimal slippage, making it well suited to flap handling and suturing where a secure hold matters most. An atraumatic tissue forcep instead has smooth or serrated jaws, like the Russian pattern in the chart above, that hold tissue without piercing it. Choose toothed tissue forceps when you need a firm, slip-free hold on thicker tissue, and an atraumatic pattern for fragile mucosa that could tear.

Key Features of a Tissue Forcep

  • Precision-engineered tips: Serrated, toothed, or smooth jaw configurations allow for versatile tissue handling across a wide range of tissue types and surgical disciplines.
  • Durable materials: Typically crafted from high-grade stainless steel, ensuring resistance to corrosion, repeated sterilization cycles, and the rigors of daily clinical use.
  • Ergonomic design: Balanced handles and appropriate spring tension minimize hand fatigue during prolonged procedures.
  • Multiple sizes and profiles: Available in a variety of lengths and jaw widths to accommodate both delicate microsurgical work and broader tissue retraction tasks.

Common Types of Tissue Forceps

  • Adson Tissue Forcep: Fine, toothed tips for delicate tissue handling in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
  • Rat-Tooth Forcep: Interlocking teeth for firm grip on dense or fibrous tissue.
  • Russian Tissue Forcep: Broad, rounded cup jaws for atraumatic handling of larger tissue masses.
  • DeBakey Tissue Forcep: Longitudinal serrations for gentle vascular and cardiovascular tissue manipulation.

Collections in this family

Tissue forcep collections by pattern5 items
Collection What it covers
Beck Atraumatic Tissue Forceps Dr. Manfred Beck atraumatic soft tissue forceps, 17.5 cm
Cooley Tissue Forceps Micro Cooley forceps, straight, curved and 25° retromolar special
Gerald Tissue Forceps Gerald 1 x 2 teeth tissue forceps, 7 inch, straight
Semken Tissue Forceps Semken and Semken-Taylor dressing and dissecting forceps, 5 inch
Towel Clips Jones and Backhaus towel clips for securing surgical drapes

Clinical Use

Tissue forceps grasp, hold and retract soft tissue during flap handling, suturing and wound care. Per the product titles, this collection covers toothed patterns (Adson, Micro Adson, Semken, Gillies, Gerald and 1 x 2 teeth tissue forceps), the Potts Smith and Russian patterns, modified DeBakey operative forceps, the Dr. Manfred Beck atraumatic soft tissue forceps and TOUCHGRIP micro tissue forceps.

Care and Reconditioning

Clean, disinfect and sterilize between patients. Our Surgical Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide covers the general workflow for Helmut Zepf surgical instruments, and our sharpening and reconditioning service realigns and reconditions them when the working end dulls or the joint loosens.

Compare With

Related Helmut Zepf collections: Dressing Forcep Collection, Micro Tissue Forcep Collection, Allis Tissue Forcep Collection, Hemostatic Forcep Collection, Dental Needle Holders by Helmut Zepf, and Oral Surgery Instrument Collection. For patterns and terminology, see the Surgical Forceps Identification Guide, Surgical Instrument Comparison Chart, and Surgical Instrument Glossary.

Further reading: Alternatives to Allis Tissue Forceps by Helmut Zepf: Gentler and More Specialize

Technical references: Surgical Forceps Identification Guide · Surgical Instrument Glossary

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FAQ

What procedures commonly require a tissue forcep?

A tissue forcep is used across general surgery, plastic surgery, vascular surgery, gynecological procedures, and wound closure applications.

Are these forceps reusable?

Most tissue forceps in this collection are fabricated from surgical-grade stainless steel and are designed for repeated sterilization and reuse according to your facility's protocols.

How do I select the right tissue forcep?

Consider the tissue type, required jaw configuration, instrument length, and the specific surgical discipline to choose the most appropriate instrument for your needs.

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Made in Germany, shipped from the US
Helmut Zepf has been making instruments in Germany since 1921.

  • Fast & Secure Shipping

    Fast and secure delivery from Germany and our US warehouse to your door.

  • Manufactured in Germany

    Crafted by skilled professionals in Germany for unmatched longevity.

  • Trusted by Experts

    Preferred and trusted by dental professionals across the globe.

  • Legacy of Excellence

    A tradition of innovation and craftsmanship since 1905 (Busch) and 1921 (Zepf).

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