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SKU:PS-P-00032
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Post Mortem Rib Shears London Pattern 9.5" (241mm) are reusable stainless steel autopsy instruments designed for controlled sectioning of ribs during post-mortem, pathology, and forensic examination procedures. The London Hospital pattern combines robust cutting jaws with extended lever handles to provide the mechanical control required when opening the thoracic cavity for internal examination.
With an overall length of 9.5 inches (241 mm), these rib shears provide a practical balance between working reach, leverage, and hand control. The instrument is intended for professional post-mortem environments where a dedicated rib-cutting tool is required rather than general surgical scissors or standard bone forceps.
The London Hospital pattern is a recognized post-mortem rib shear configuration developed for autopsy use. Its heavy-duty construction is designed around the specific task of engaging and sectioning ribs during thoracic examination.
The cutting end incorporates opposing jaws shaped for controlled placement around the rib. Long lever arms allow the operator to apply force through the pivot while maintaining the instrument in the intended position. This configuration makes the shears suitable for structured post-mortem workflows where access to the thoracic cavity is required.
The instrument measures 9.5 inches (241 mm) overall. This established London pattern size provides extended handles for leverage while keeping the working jaws close to the pivot point for controlled rib sectioning.
The 241 mm configuration is also listed by specialist post-mortem instrument suppliers as a London Hospital pattern rib shear intended specifically for autopsy procedures.
During post-mortem examination, access to the thoracic cavity may require sectioning of the ribs so that the internal organs and anatomical structures can be examined. These rib shears are designed specifically for that stage of the examination.
The operator positions the cutting jaws around the selected rib and closes the long handles to transfer force through the pivot to the cutting end. The dedicated rib-shear geometry provides a more appropriate working profile for this task than conventional surgical scissors.
Post Mortem Rib Shears may be incorporated into autopsy and pathology instrument sets used for thoracic examination. Their principal role is to assist with rib sectioning when opening the chest cavity for examination of thoracic structures.
The instrument is suitable for professional use in pathology departments, mortuaries, forensic facilities, medical examination environments, and anatomical laboratories where post-mortem procedures are performed.
The long-handled design provides the operator with mechanical leverage during manual rib cutting. Force applied at the handles is transmitted through the central pivot to the jaws, supporting controlled closure around the rib.
The broad terminal portions of the handles provide a substantial contact area for the hands. This design supports stable manual handling when the instrument is being positioned and operated during a post-mortem examination.
The working end features a curved opposing-jaw profile intended to engage the rib before the cutting action is completed. The jaws are positioned close to the central pivot, concentrating the closing action at the cutting end while the extended handles provide leverage.
This jaw configuration is a defining feature of post-mortem rib shears and differentiates the instrument from general surgical scissors, rongeurs, and other bone-cutting instruments used for different procedural requirements.
The Rib Shears for Post Mortem are manufactured from stainless steel for professional instrument use. Stainless steel construction provides the rigidity required for a manually operated rib-cutting instrument while also supporting routine cleaning and instrument reprocessing.
The metal construction allows the instrument to be inspected after each procedure for jaw condition, pivot movement, alignment, surface condition, and general functionality before subsequent use.
This is a reusable post-mortem instrument intended for repeated professional use when maintained and reprocessed appropriately. After each procedure, biological material should be removed according to the healthcare facility's validated decontamination protocol.
The pivot area, cutting jaws, handle surfaces, and any recessed areas should receive particular attention during cleaning. The instrument should be thoroughly inspected before sterilization and before being returned to service.
| Product Name | Post Mortem Rib Shears |
|---|---|
| Instrument Type | Autopsy / Post Mortem Rib Shears |
| Pattern | London Hospital Pattern |
| Overall Length | 9.5 in (241 mm) |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Working End | Opposing Rib-Cutting Jaws |
| Handle Design | Long Lever Handles |
| Primary Function | Controlled Rib Sectioning |
| Primary Application | Post Mortem and Autopsy Examination |
| Operation | Manual |
| Reusable | Yes |
| SKU | PS-P-00032 |
The London Pattern Rib Shears are intended for professional environments performing systematic post-mortem examinations. Their dedicated rib-cutting design supports thoracic access during pathology and forensic workflows where internal anatomical examination is required.
Because the instrument has a specialized cutting function, users should select it according to the procedure, anatomical requirements, and institutional post-mortem protocols rather than substituting general surgical scissors or unrelated bone instruments.
Before use, the shears should be inspected to ensure that the cutting jaws oppose correctly, the pivot operates smoothly, and the handles move through their intended range without abnormal resistance. Any visible deformation, damaged cutting edges, excessive pivot movement, corrosion, or other defects should be evaluated before the instrument is placed into service.
During handling, the working jaws should be positioned deliberately around the intended rib before pressure is applied through the handles. Controlled manual operation helps maintain proper instrument placement throughout the cutting action.
Following use, the instrument should be cleaned and reprocessed according to the facility's validated procedures for reusable post-mortem instruments. The jaws and pivot joint should be opened during cleaning where appropriate so that retained biological material can be removed effectively.
After cleaning, inspect the instrument for cleanliness, cutting-jaw condition, alignment, pivot function, and surface integrity. Sterilization and subsequent storage should follow the validated procedures applicable to the facility and instrument type.
These rib shears are intended for trained professionals working in post-mortem and anatomical examination environments. Typical users may include pathology personnel, forensic examination teams, mortuary professionals, anatomical laboratory staff, and institutional procurement departments sourcing dedicated autopsy instrumentation.
A dedicated rib shear is designed around the mechanical requirements of rib sectioning. The combination of a central pivot, curved cutting jaws, and long lever handles provides an instrument profile specifically suited to this task.
For facilities assembling or maintaining post-mortem instrument sets, the London Pattern Rib Shear provides a recognizable and standardized instrument option for thoracic access during autopsy examination.
What is the Post Mortem Rib Shear used for?
The instrument is designed primarily for controlled sectioning of ribs during autopsy and post-mortem examination when access to the thoracic cavity is required.
What pattern are these rib shears?
This model is the London Hospital Pattern, a rib-shear configuration used for professional post-mortem applications.
What is the length of the instrument?
The overall length is 9.5 inches, equivalent to 241 mm.
What material are the rib shears made from?
The instrument is manufactured from stainless steel for reusable professional instrument use.
Are these ordinary surgical scissors?
No. These are dedicated post-mortem rib shears with a specialized jaw and lever-handle configuration intended for rib sectioning rather than routine soft-tissue cutting.
Are the rib shears reusable?
Yes. The instrument is reusable and should be cleaned, inspected, and reprocessed according to the facility's validated reusable-instrument protocols after each use.
Where are these rib shears typically used?
They are intended for professional post-mortem environments such as pathology departments, forensic facilities, mortuaries, and anatomical examination laboratories.
