What Are Artery Forceps?

Artery forceps are also referred to as a hemostat or hemostatic clamp. They are a slender, needle-nose clamp with a locking mechanism used commonly during surgical procedures to stop the flow of blood in a particular blood vessel.

History

• In the 1800s, artery forceps were invented by chemist and inventor Stephen Hales, an English physiologist. Hemostats were later modernized by William Halsted, the founder of the first U.S. surgical school at John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.

Significance

• The use of hemostats is vital in surgical procedures to stop the flow of blood to prevent hemorrhaging. Without this tool, a surgeon's inability to stop bleeding--especially in an emergency situation--could lead to the patient's death.

Uses

• Hemostats are used in surgical procedures and physician offices; they are also used by emergency personnel (emergency medical technicians and paramedics). In surgical procedures, they are used to stop blood flow and to hold back skin and tissue at the incision site.

Types

• The most common types of hemostats are Kelly, Crile and Halsted. They come in various lengths and can have either a curved or straight tip; the pincers are either flat or have grooved teeth.

Non-Medical Uses

• Hemostats can be very handy tools in the home. They can be used to hold two items together while gluing household projects and/or crafts. While fishing, this tool is used to remove hooks from fish that normal pliers are not able to reach.