Forceps

1. A forceps system comprising:

a pair of forceps members; and

force measurement means operable to measure compressive and traction forces exerted by the forceps members when in use, and to output measurement signals indicative of such forces,

wherein a forceps member comprises a blade portion and a handle portion,

wherein the force measurement means comprises a deformable O-ring located between the blade portion and the handle portion, and

wherein a strain gauge is mounted on the deformable O-ring,

wherein at least one of the forceps members comprises a pressure sensor operable to measure compressive forces.

2. A forceps system according to claim 1 wherein the pressure sensor is located on a surface of the forceps member opposing the other forceps member.

3. A forceps system according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensor is selected from the group comprising microelectromechanical piezoresistive force sensors, quantum tunneling composite sensors and force sensing resistors.

4. A forceps system according to claim 1 , wherein the O-ring is located adjacent a point of pivotal engagement of the two forceps members.

5. A forceps system according to claim 1 , wherein an array of strain gauges is mounted on the deformable O-ring.

6. A forceps system according to claim 5 , wherein in the array of strain gauges is mounted on an external cylindrical surface of the deformable O-ring.

7. A forceps system according to claim 1 , wherein the forceps members are engaged with one another by magnetic forces at a point of pivotal engagement between the pair of forceps members.

8. A forceps system according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion or the forceps members comprise a resilient material.

9. A forceps system according to claim 8 , wherein the resilient material is an elastomeric polymer material.