All you need to know about surgical clamps

Introduction

Surgical clamps are essential surgical medical devices. Used to temporarily occlude blood vessels, they play a key role in the success of medical interventions. Whether to control bleeding, hold an organ in place or facilitate the manipulation of internal structures, these devices are ubiquitous in operating theatres.

However, with so many different types of surgical clamp, it is essential to understand their function and how to choose the most appropriate model for each operation. Should I choose a clamp with or without protection? What selection criteria should be taken into account to ensure optimum use?

In this article, we take an in-depth look at :

• The different types of surgical clamp and their specific uses
• Essential criteria for choosing the right model
• Maintenance and regulations governing these medical devices

I. What is a surgical clamp?

A surgical clamp is a medical instrument designed to temporarily occlude blood vessels during an operation. It is mainly used to control bleeding, prevent fluid leaks and facilitate the manipulation of organs without causing injury.

Depending on their design and use, surgical clamps can be straight, curved or angled, and are generally made from stainless steel, titanium or medical polymers. These materials

guarantee high resistance, increased longevity and compatibility with sterilisation protocols.

Surgical clamps are indispensable in many medical specialties, including:

• General surgery: occlusion of blood vessels to limit blood loss.
• Cardiovascular surgery: specific clamps to m a i n t a i n blood circulation during surgery.
• Digestive surgery: maintaining intestinal tissue to prevent leakage of body fluids.
• Neurosurgery and gynaecology: delicate handling of fragile tissue.

Thanks to their precision and ergonomics, these devices improve the safety of operations and help to reduce post-operative complications.

II. The different types of surgical clamp

There are a wide variety of surgical clamps, each designed for a specific use depending on the operation and the tissues involved.

Here are the main types of clamp and their applications.

• Haemostatic clamps

Haemostatic clamps are used to control bleeding by temporarily blocking blood flow to a vessel. They have serrated jaws to ensure a firm grip without damaging the tissue.

• Vascular clamps

Specially designed for cardiovascular surgery, these clamps allow blood flow to be delayed or regulated without damaging vessel walls.

• Intestinal and tissue clamps

Used in digestive and gynaecological surgery, these clamps make it possible to

hold tissues in place and prevent fluid leaks.

• Clamps specific to certain operations

Some surgical clamps are designed for very specific applications.

Thanks to this diversity, each surgical specialty can rely on appropriate instruments to guarantee precision and safety throughout the operation.

III. How do I choose a surgical clamp?

The choice of surgical clamp depends on a number of criteria, including the type of operation, the nature of the tissue being manipulated, and the surgeon’s specific needs. Here are the main points to bear in mind.

1. Type of intervention and specific use

Each surgical specialty uses clamps adapted to the needs of its operations:

• Surgery general : clamps haemostatic for control bleeding.
• Cardiovascular surgery: vascular clamps to main tain blood circulation.
• Digestive and gynaecological surgery: intestinal and tissue clamps to manipulate fragile organs.

2. The size and shape of the clamp

Surgical clamps vary in length, curvature and ergonomics to adapt to the needs of practitioners:

• Straight or curved clamp: for better accessibility depending on the angle of the operation.
• Protected or unprotected jaws: for optimum protection and hold on vessels
• Length of clamp : clamps longer are used for deep procedures.

3. The material and sterilization

The choice of material has an impact on durability and compatibility with sterilization:

• Stainless steel: highly resistant and compatible with high- temperature sterilization.
• Titanium: lighter, ideal for microsurgery.
• Medical polymers: often used for single-use clamps.

4. Ergonomics and ease of use

A well-designed clamp should be comfortable to hold and easy to open and close. Some models have non-slip surfaces or precise locking mechanisms for better control during surgery.

5. Medical standards and certifications

It is essential to ensure that surgical clamps comply with current safety standards, such as:

• CE certification for medical devices in Europe.
• The standards ISO 13485 guarantees the quality of surgical instruments.

The right choice of surgical clamp optimizes patient safety, improves surgical precision and helps reduce post-operative complications.

IV. The good practices use of surgical clamps

Correct use of surgical clamps is essential to ensure patient safety, precise surgery and tissue preservation. Here are the best practices to adopt in the operating room.

1. Follow the specific instructions for each clamp

Each surgical clamp is designed for a specific use. It is therefore essential to choose the tool best suited to the operation:

• Haemostatic clamps: designed to temporarily stop bleeding without damaging the vessels.
• Vascular clamps: designed to clamp arteries or veins without compromising blood flow.
• Intestinal clamps: used to temporarily occlude a digestive segment without damaging the intestinal wall.

2. Handle with care to preserve tissues

Incorrect handling can result in tissue damage or injury.

necrosis. It is advisable to:

• Do not exert excessive pressure on fragile structures.
• Use models with an atraumatic coating to protect delicate fabrics.
• Position the clamp precisely to avoid slipping.

3. Check for correct operation before use

Before any work is carried out, it is vital to check the condition of the clamp:

• Check that the jaws are aligned and that there are no visible defects.
• Test the locking mechanism to ensure an effective grip.
• Make sure the clamp is sterile before inserting it into the operating field.

4. Comply with sterilization protocols

Rigorous disinfection is essential to avoid nosocomial infections. After each use:

• Thoroughly clean the clamp to remove any biological residues.
• Use sterilization methods that comply with hospital standards (autoclave, hydrogen p e r o x i d e , etc.).
• Store instruments in a sterile environment to avoid recontamination.

V. How do you choose the right surgical clamp for your needs?

The choice of a suitable surgical clamp is based on a number of essential criteria that guarantee its effectiveness, depending on the procedure and the needs of the practitioner. It is crucial to take into account the type of tissue to be manipulated, the purpose of the clamp, the manufacturing material, as well as ergonomics and ease of use.

The material is a determining factor. Most surgical clamps are made from medical stainless steel, which guarantees strength, durability and easy sterilization. However, for certain specific procedures, titanium clamps, which are lighter and more biocompatible, may be preferred, particularly in cardiovascular surgery and microsurgery. Some models also feature a polymer coating to limit tissue trauma.

Ergonomics and handling play a key role in the choice of surgical clamp. A good clamp should offer a comfortable grip, with well-balanced jaws and an effective locking system to prevent any loss of control during surgery. Models with textured surfaces or non-slip coatings ensure greater precision, particularly in delicate surgery.

Finally, it is essential to consider the specific needs of the operation and the surgeon’s preferences. Some clamps are available in different lengths and curvatures (straight, curved or angled) to adapt to the requirements of each surgical procedure.

The choice of a surgical clamp must therefore be made with care, taking into account the requirements of the operation, the comfort of the practitioner and current safety standards. A well-adapted clamp improves the precision of the surgical procedure, limits tissue trauma and contributes to the success of the operation.

VI. Innovations and developments in surgical clamps

The evolution of surgical clamps reflects technological advances and the growing need for safety, precision and ergonomics in operating theatres. Manufacturers are constantly innovating to offer ever more effective devices that minimize tissue trauma and improve surgeon comfort.

One of the major advances concerns clamps made from advanced materials. While medical stainless steel remains the benchmark material, alternatives such as titanium offer additional benefits, including improved biocompatibility, increased resistance to corrosion and a light weight that reduces practitioner fatigue during lengthy procedures. In addition, the introduction of polymer and medical silicone coatings on certain surfaces improves adhesion and reduces the risk of tissue damage.

Single-use clamps are also a key innovation, particularly in minimally invasive and outpatient surgery. Made from high-performance polymers, they guarantee absolute sterility, eliminating the risks of cross- contamination associated with imperfect sterilization. What’s more, these devices are often designed to be ergonomic and easy to handle, adapting to the specific needs of surgeons.

Conclusion and key points to remember about clamps

Surgical clamps are indispensable instruments in surgery, guaranteeing precise control of tissue and blood vessels throughout the operation. Thanks to a wide range of models, adapted to different medical specialties, these devices offer surgeons great flexibility and optimum safety.

The evolution of materials and technologies has led to considerable improvements in their effectiveness, ergonomics and safety. From ultra- light titanium clamps to intelligent models equipped with sensors, innovation is constantly pushing back the boundaries to optimize surgical results and patient recovery.

It is essential to choose the right clamp for the surgical indication, taking into account criteria such as gripping force, material, and the size of the clamp.

ergonomics. The rise in single-use models and clamps adapted to minimally invasive surgery also reflects a trend towards better control of infection risks and simplification of operating protocols.

In short, surgical clamps play a key role in the medical world. Proper selection and use not only improves the precision of surgical procedures but also ensures greater comfort for practitioners and maximum safety for patients.

FAQ: answers to common questions about surgical clamps

• What is the difference between a haemostatic clamp and a gripping c l a m p ?

A haemostatic clamp is used to control bleeding by compressing a blood vessel, while a grasping clamp is used to hold or manipulate tissue without crushing or damaging it.

• Why are some surgical clamps made of titanium rather than stainless steel?

Titanium is preferred for its lightness, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and surgeon fatigue during lengthy operations.

• Are single-use surgical clamps as effective as reusable models?

Yes, single-use clamps are designed to offer similar performance to reusable models, with the advantage of guaranteed sterility and the elimination of sterilization costs. However, their strength and durability may be less than that of steel or titanium clamps.