Abstract: A surgical needle holder having a pair of clamping jaws at an obtuse angle to respective elongated handle portions forming a vertex therebetween which are clearly defined. Cooperating latching mechanisms having portions on each handle portion and engageable to hold the handle portions and the respective jaws together to clamp a suturing needle. The jaws are parallel and substantially straight and of uniform cross-section. The handle has two manually grippable portions that cooperate to define a cylinder when the jaws are clamped together. The overall size, shape and weight of the subject needle holder are similar to and feel like a mechanical pencil when held by a surgeon. The needle holder is part of a family of tools having common handle characteristics.

Abstract: A dual muscle clamp used in ocular surgery. Two pairs of spaced jaws are connected to a dual element handle. The handle elements are pivotally connected together to move the jaws between clamping and spread conditions to clamp and release tissue. Spring portions on the handle elements bias the jaws to the spread condition. A spring biased hook on one handle element interlinks with the edge of an opening on the other handle element to latch the jaws in the clamping condition. Opposed pointed teeth on the jaws interfit in the clamped condition and pierce the tissue clamped between the jaws. Semi-cylindrical portions on the handle elements cooperatively define a cylinder for comfortable gripping and careful and precise control with a single hand.

Abstract: An ocular muscle hook used in ocular surgery having a muscle holding tip and a handle, a shank extending forwardly of the handle, a leg extending from the forward end of the shank, a tip connected to the forward end of the leg. The leg and the tip define an angle of approximately 150.degree.. The leg and the shank define an angle of approximately 120.degree., thereby positioning the hand of an individual holding the muscle hook laterally away from interference with the line of sight of the surgeon. When the leg is pulling an eye muscle away from an eye, the upwardly angled tip acts as a stop to prevent the muscle from sliding off the leg. The handle is substantially cylindrical in shape and is sized to be held between the thumb and fingers of a hand providing maximum control, comfort, and familiarity to the individual using the muscle hook.