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Uses of the Mixter Forceps

Mixter forceps, also known as the right angle clamp, is a surgical instrument used primarily by general, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgeons, as well as in certain gynecological procedures. They come in a variety of lengths and sharpness of angle. The shape of the clamp is ideal for occluding blood vessels, assisting in dissection and passing sutures around structures.

  1. Occluding Blood Vessels

    • Most surgical clamps are curved to around 45 degrees. This makes accessing blood vessels and structures more ergonomic; however, certain structures are either too deep, or in too awkward a position to properly occlude with these clamps. The 90-degree-curved mixter forceps allows these structures to be occluded more effectively.

    Dissecting

    • The mixter forceps aids in dissection in a few ways. Because of its angle, it can reach around potential vessels and other important structures when other clamps and forceps cannot. An example of this is the cystic duct and artery during a gallbladder operation. A right angle clamp is most often used to expose those structures because they are hidden and require being exposed on all sides.

      Additionally, the mixter provides a straight surface to cut along when dividing tissue that has been occluded. An example of this is dividing a blood vessel: The vessel is clamped and cut along the forceps.

    Passing Sutures

    • Once again, it is the clamp's shape that makes it ideal for this use. Sutures must sometimes be passed underneath a structure to be tied around it. The suture is grasped by the clamp, and the tip is positioned under one side of the structure and out the other. A long-tissue forceps is used to take the end of the suture held by the clamp and pulled back up, securing the suture around the structure.

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