Do you think the first saw was designed to be a surgical saw or a tool for cutting trees?
Most of us think of carpentry or forestry when we think of a saw, but the first electric version was actually a surgical saw. The
Most of us think of carpentry or forestry when we think of a saw, but the first electric version was actually a surgical saw. The need for faster and more precise bone cutting, especially in orthopedic surgeries, triggered this important innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the surgical saw:
Since the early 19th century, surgeons have needed more efficient and precise cutting methods. The main milestones in this process are as follows:
The first mechanical saw designed for surgical procedures was developed by Scottish surgeon John Aitken. Aitken’s device was a manually operated rotary saw and revolutionized the surgical needs of the time. At the time, bone cutting during surgeries was a very difficult procedure for both patients and surgeons. The saws or blades used in traditional methods took more time and increased the risk of infection. With Aitken’s rotary saw, surgeons were able to perform procedures in a faster and more controlled manner. The device was also a first step in reducing surgery time and improving patient safety.
Image 1 : John Aitken's rotary saw
Wire saws are considered a major innovation in the field of surgery. Italian surgeon Leonardo Gigli developed a flexible and lightweight wire saw in the 1860s. Gigli’s device allowed surgeons to make less invasive cuts. The fine structure of the wire saw was particularly advantageous in tight spaces and when precision cutting was required. Another important feature of the Gigli saw is that it generates less heat during use, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. This device made the work of surgeons much easier, especially in spine surgery and pelvic cuts.
Image 2 : Leonardo Gigli's Wire Saw
The foundations of the electric surgical saw were laid by German surgeon Bernhard Heine. Heine developed the “osteotome”, a cutting tool designed for bone surgery. Although not a fully electric device, the osteotome pioneered the use of motorized systems in surgery. Heine’s design optimized manual saw movements with a gear mechanism, making bone cutting easier. This was a period of the first serious studies into the potential use of electric motors in surgery. Heine’s work paved the way for the integration of electric motors into surgical instruments.
Image 3 : Bernhard Heine's First Chainsaw
Developed in the 1920s, modern surgical electric saws represented a significant leap forward in devices used in orthopedic surgery. During this period, surgical saws were equipped with electric motors, making them more powerful, faster and more precise. They became indispensable, especially in hip and knee replacement surgery where large bones had to be cut.
Modern saws are also made from materials such as stainless steel and titanium to meet sterilization requirements. This allowed surgeons to reuse the devices while minimizing the risk of infection. The length and thickness of saw blades also began to vary during this period, allowing the development of devices customized to the type of surgery and the patient’s anatomical features.
Today, surgical chainsaws are characterized by the following features:
– Precision Cutting: Increased precision with thinner blades.
– Ease of Sterilization: Made suitable for sterilization by using stainless steel and titanium materials.
– Specific Models for Different Branches: Special devices are produced for different fields from orthopedic surgery to neurosurgery.
As a result, contrary to popular belief, electric saws were first invented to meet surgical needs, not for industrial fields such as carpentry. These devices, which allow precise and sterile operation in accordance with human anatomy, have revolutionized surgeries that require bone cutting, especially orthopedic surgery.
However, this innovation in surgical saw technology soon gained traction in other fields. In industries such as carpentry and forestry, the need for chainsaws capable of fast and precise cutting was great. In the early 20th century, the principles of the surgical saw inspired the design of chainsaws for woodworking and logging. With the development of electric motor technology, these devices became a standard tool in industry and were used for much larger scale jobs.
Today, surgical and industrial chainsaws are based on the same basic principles but have completely different characteristics. Surgical saw focus on precision and sterilization, while industrial ones focus on power and durability. But both types are a striking example of how technology can be adapted and improved in different fields.
The journey of chainsaws in these two different fields reveals how human creativity and technological innovations are shaped according to needs.
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