Vasculum Forcep

Quick Answer: Vasculum forceps is a catalogue spelling of vulsellum forceps: a long, ring-handled gynaecological forceps whose jaws end in interlocking teeth. It is used to grasp and steady the cervix during procedures such as IUCD insertion, and nursing and midwifery schools use it in instrument-identification training.

Vasculum or Vulsellum: Identifying This Forceps

On its own, the word vasculum names a botanist’s metal collecting box, which is why this listing can be confusing. In surgical-instrument trade lists, however, vasculum forceps is used for the toothed gynaecological forceps more correctly called vulsellum forceps, and that is the instrument this page describes. Buyers who actually need a botanical collecting box or a fine vascular forceps should say so when enquiring, because the three items are unrelated.

Vulsellum forceps have long shanks, finger rings and usually a ratchet near the rings, so the jaws can be locked once tissue is held. Each jaw carries a short row of teeth that meet those of the opposite jaw. The long reach lets the tips work at the far end of a vaginal speculum while the hand stays clear of the line of sight.

The tooth pattern is the main difference from its nearest relative, the tenaculum. A tenaculum has a single sharp hook on each jaw and holds with a small, deep grip; a vulsellum spreads its hold over several teeth, giving a broader grasp on the cervical lip. Sponge-holding forceps look similar at a glance but have oval, serrated rings instead of teeth and are used for swabbing, not for traction.

Specifications

Care & Handling

• Clean the forceps soon after use, opening the ratchet and scrubbing between the teeth with a soft brush, since dried material lodges in the tooth rows.
• Sterilise according to the facility’s reprocessing protocol; stainless-steel ring forceps are normally steam sterilised with the jaws unlocked, but check the material of the supplied item first.
• Inspect the teeth for bending and the ratchet for a clean click before each use, and withdraw forceps whose jaws no longer meet.
• Store the forceps unlocked or on the first ratchet tooth to avoid stress on the joint.

Applications

• Grasping and steadying the anterior lip of the cervix while a uterine sound or IUCD inserter is passed
• Applying gentle traction to straighten the cervical canal during dilatation
• Instrument recognition drills in nursing, midwifery and paramedical skills labs, alongside specula and sponge-holding forceps
• Setting up and checking gynaecology trays during theatre and sterile-services training

Why Choose LabEquip

Nursing colleges, midwifery schools and hospital training units usually order vulsellum forceps when building or topping up IUCD and gynaecology trays. LabEquip lists them with its biology lab products, alongside the female half pelvis model used to teach where the cervix sits. Send your set list through the LabEquip contact page so the pattern and length can be matched.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vasculum forceps the same as vulsellum forceps?

In instrument catalogues, yes: vasculum forceps is a trade spelling used for vulsellum forceps, the toothed forceps applied to the cervix. A vasculum in botany is a specimen collecting box, which is a different item altogether.

How is a vulsellum different from a tenaculum?

A tenaculum ends in single sharp hooks, while a vulsellum has several interlocking teeth on each jaw. The vulsellum spreads its grip over a wider area, and the choice between them usually follows the procedure and the clinician’s preference.

Can these forceps be autoclaved?

Stainless-steel surgical forceps are generally steam sterilised with the ratchet released so steam reaches the joint. The material of this listing is not stated in its title, so check it on delivery and follow your facility’s sterilisation protocol.

Why are the jaws toothed?

The cervix is firm, smooth tissue, and flat jaws would slip under traction. The interlocking teeth hold it securely, but they do pierce the surface, so the forceps are applied gently and only for as long as needed.

Is this instrument useful for teaching as well as practice?

Yes. Nursing and midwifery students learn to identify vulsellum forceps in IUCD and gynaecology trays, check the ratchet and teeth, and pass the instrument correctly. A dedicated set kept for the skills lab spares the sterile clinical stock.

Which lengths and tooth patterns can be supplied?

Vulsellum forceps are made in several lengths, straight or curved, and with different numbers of teeth. Share the pattern your procedure list or syllabus names, and LabEquip will say which option matches before you order.

Last Updated: September 2026