What characterizes a Heaney needleholder?

A Heaney needleholder is specifically designed for suturing in gynecological surgeries, which makes it distinct from other surgical instruments. Its curved design and strong grip allow for precise manipulation of needles and sutures in the confined spaces often encountered during gynecological procedures. This specialized tool enables surgeons to secure tissues effectively when performing delicate tasks such as closing incisions in the uterus or other pelvic structures.

The other options relate to different medical aspects: catheters are used for drainage but do not involve suturing; gallbladder removal is a surgical procedure that does not define the instrument; and the connection between the bile duct and abdominal cavity does not pertain to a specific instrument used in surgical assist. Thus, the Heaney needleholder's unique features for suturing in the context of gynecological surgery underscore why it is characterized in this manner.