In 1951 I developed a universal type of grasping forceps which have given excellent satisfaction in the removal of foreign bodies from the air and food passages.1 Because of a "full view" concept and a principle of closure which was considerably different from those in available types, these forceps have been used over a period of years with considerable success. It was thought that perhaps forceps of the same type for closing safety-pins could be developed which would incorporate a similar principle of closure and at the same time include such improvements as would make such an instrument more effective for these purposes.
The new forceps consists of a handle similar in principle to that used on the universal grasping forceps, an inner and outer cannula, a grasping insert (Clerf-Arrowsmith type), and a special threaded tip. The handle proper is brazed to the outer cannula and incorporates a fast-running