Hank Dilators — Pattern and Clinical Use
The Hank differs from a Hegar in having a narrower leading tip stepped down from the main shaft. That guide tip finds and enters the canal first, then the shoulder follows to dilate — which many operators find gives more controlled entry, particularly in a tight or stenotic cervix where a blunt-ended Hegar can be difficult to introduce.
The shoulder transition must be smooth and correctly proportioned. If it is too abrupt the dilator catches at the internal os; too gradual and the guide tip loses its advantage over a plain Hegar.
Hank Dilators Variants and Specifications
Standard Hank dilator sizing.
| Variant | Specification / use |
|---|---|
| Double-ended graduated set | Full dilation sequence |
| Stepped guide tip | Leads into the canal |
| Defined shoulder | Performs the dilation |
| Straight shaft | Standard pattern |
| Curved shaft | Follows canal angulation |
| Set in tray or rack | Ordered sequence at the table |
Material, Finish and Quality Control
We forge Hank dilators from 316L austenitic stainless. The shoulder transition is gauged for smoothness, since an abrupt step catches at the internal os and a shallow one loses the guiding benefit. Each batch passes Rockwell hardness testing, dimensional checks on shoulder transition profile, and visual inspection under our ISO 13485 system before passivation and final finishing. Mirror and satin finishes are both available — satin is usually specified where glare under operating lights is a concern.
Who Sources Hank Dilators From Surgical Star
Hank dilators sell alongside Hegar sets to gynecology theatre suppliers, with operator preference between the two patterns driving which set a hospital standardises on.
OEM, Certification and Ordering
Every Hank dilators can be produced as a private-label line: your logo laser-marked on the shaft, your catalog numbers, and your own printed packaging, manufactured from your drawings or a reference sample. Our quality file is ISO 13485, our EU route is CE marking under MDR 2017/745, and our facility holds US FDA establishment registration. Conformity and ASTM F899 material certificates are issued against each order.
You order direct from the factory with no trading-house margin, on volume-tiered pricing and a minimum matched to your pattern and finish. Once your branded sample is signed off, expect roughly four to six weeks to bulk delivery, worldwide DDP. See how OEM & private label works →
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does a Hank differ from a Hegar dilator?
The Hank has a narrower stepped guide tip that enters the canal first, followed by a shoulder that dilates. A Hegar is a smooth continuous taper.
When is a Hank preferred?
In a tight or stenotic cervix, where the guide tip finds the canal more easily than a blunt-ended Hegar.
Are both patterns usually stocked?
Many hospitals standardise on one according to operator preference, so distributors typically carry both.
Can you manufacture these under our own brand?
Yes — full OEM and private label. We laser-mark your logo and catalog numbers, pack in your branded boxes, and work from your drawings, tech pack or a reference sample, with a pre-production sample approved before any bulk run.
Send your pattern list, drawing or a reference sample and we’ll quote MOQ, pricing and lead time — standard catalog or fully private-label.
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