Clamps & Hemostats
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About Clamps & Hemostats
Clamps & Hemostats are the instruments surgical teams use to control bleeding, occlude vessels, secure drapes, and hold tissue in place throughout a procedure. This category brings together reusable, latex-free instruments from Aspen Surgical, including Halsted mosquito, Crile, Kelly, Rochester-Pean, Rochester-Ochsner, Kocher, and Schnidt hemostatic forceps, Mixter and right-angle clamps, DeBakey, Cooley-Derra, and Castaneda vascular clamps, DeBakey and Diethrich bulldog clamps, and Backhaus towel clamps. It also includes umbilical cord clamps from Amsino International (AMSure) and Aspen for newborn care. Operating rooms, labor and delivery units, cardiovascular programs, and clinics can find dependable options for both routine and specialty procedures.
Why Clamps & Hemostats Are Essential
Bleeding control is one of the first priorities in any surgical field. When a vessel is cut, the team needs a reliable way to stop the flow quickly so the surgeon can see clearly and tie or seal the vessel. Hemostats do exactly that, and they are among the most frequently used instruments on almost every surgical tray.
Clamps go further. Vascular clamps allow surgeons to temporarily occlude or partially occlude a vessel while they repair or connect it. Towel clamps keep drapes secure so the sterile field stays intact. Umbilical cord clamps give labor and delivery teams a simple, secure way to clamp the cord at birth. Each of these tasks has its own instrument design, and having the right one at hand supports steadier procedures, a clearer field, and safer care for the patient.
What Are Clamps & Hemostats?
A hemostat is a hinged, ring-handled instrument with tapered jaws and a ratchet lock, designed to clamp blood vessels or tissue. The ratchet holds the jaws closed at the chosen pressure until the user releases it. Hemostats are sometimes called hemostatic forceps or artery forceps.
A clamp is a broader term for any instrument that holds or compresses tissue, vessels, or materials. Vascular clamps often have atraumatic jaws designed to occlude a vessel without crushing it. Towel clamps hold drapes. Umbilical cord clamps are typically single-use plastic devices. Most reusable instruments in this category are stainless steel.
Types of Clamps & Hemostats
1. Hemostatic Forceps (Mosquito, Crile, Kelly, Pean, Ochsner, Schnidt)
Best for: Clamping bleeding vessels and grasping tissue in general surgery.
These are the classic hemostats found on nearly every surgical tray. Their size and jaw pattern determine how they are used. Halsted mosquito forceps are small and fine, suited to small vessels. Crile forceps are slightly larger, while Rochester-Pean forceps are heavier instruments for larger tissue bundles. Kelly artery forceps, offered straight and curved in 5 1/2 in. and 6 1/4 in. lengths, sit between the Crile and Pean in size. Rochester-Ochsner forceps add 1 x 2 teeth at the tip for a firmer hold on dense tissue, and Kocher baby forceps bring the same 1 x 2 teeth to a delicate 5 1/2 in. pattern.
This category also includes Schnidt hemostatic and artery forceps in half-curved and full-curved versions, Adson curved hemostatic forceps, and Jacobson micro artery and micro mosquito forceps for very fine work. Delicate versions of the mosquito and Crile are offered as well, and several Halsted models have a low-glare finish.
Key Features
- Ratchet locks hold the jaws closed until released.
- Curved jaws improve visibility and access around tissue.
- Toothed Ochsner jaws provide a secure grip on dense tissue.
- Micro and delicate patterns are available for fine vessels.
Applications
- Clamping vessels before ligation or cautery.
- Grasping and holding tissue during dissection.
- Tagging sutures and holding tissue edges.
- Standard instrument sets for general and specialty surgery.
2. Right-Angle and Dissecting Clamps
Best for: Dissecting around vessels and ducts and passing ligatures behind structures.
Right-angle clamps have jaws that bend sharply near the tip, letting surgeons reach behind a vessel or duct to dissect and pass a ligature. The Mixter is a well-known example and is offered here in delicate and serrated versions, from 5 1/2 in. to 12 1/4 in. The category also includes the Coller 90-degree angle forceps, an Aspen delicate right-angle clamp, and the Lahey gall duct forceps.
For minimally invasive work, the Aspen Symmetry Rapidclean modular Mixter dissector offers a 5 mm width and 45 cm working length in a three-piece design.
Key Features
- Angled jaws reach behind vessels and ducts.
- A wide range of lengths covers superficial to deep fields.
- Delicate patterns allow fine dissection.
- A modular dissector design is available for minimally invasive procedures.
Applications
- Dissecting around blood vessels before ligation.
- Biliary and gallbladder procedures.
- Cardiovascular and thoracic dissection.
- Laparoscopic dissection with the modular Mixter dissector.
3. Vascular and Cardiovascular Clamps
Best for: Temporarily occluding or partially occluding blood vessels during vascular and cardiac procedures.
Vascular clamps are designed to control blood flow in a vessel while it is repaired or connected. Many feature atraumatic jaws intended to hold the vessel securely without crushing it.
This category includes DeBakey tangential clamps (#3 and #4), Cooley-Derra clamps in small, medium, and large sizes, the Cooley modified anastomosis clamp, and Castaneda partial occlusion, anastomosis, and multi-purpose clamps, along with Castaneda suture tag forceps. You will also find Gregory profunda clamps, the Fogarty-style Hemagrip clamp with a 60-degree angle, Gemini clamps, and Sarot artery forceps at 11 in.
Key Features
- Tangential and partial occlusion designs allow blood flow to continue through part of the vessel.
- Angled jaws reach vessels in deep or awkward positions.
- Multiple sizes match different vessel diameters.
- Long instruments up to 11 in. are suited to deep thoracic fields.
Applications
- Vascular anastomosis and bypass procedures.
- Partial occlusion of large vessels during repair.
- Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery.
- Pediatric cardiovascular procedures with Castaneda instruments.
4. Bulldog Clamps
Best for: Small, temporary vessel occlusion that does not crowd the surgical field.
Bulldog clamps are small, spring-loaded clamps without ring handles. Once applied, they stay on the vessel by themselves, leaving the field open for the surgeon's other instruments.
The category includes DeBakey bulldog cross-action clamps in straight and curved versions from 57 mm to 120 mm, and Diethrich bulldog clamps in straight and angled styles, including a modified tension angled version.
Key Features
- A compact, spring-loaded cross-action design keeps the clamp in place.
- Straight, curved, and angled jaws fit different vessel positions.
- A small profile keeps the field uncluttered.
Applications
- Temporary occlusion of small arteries and veins.
- Vascular anastomosis.
- Microvascular and reconstructive procedures.
5. Towel Clamps
Best for: Securing surgical drapes and towels to maintain the sterile field.
Towel clamps hold drapes in position so the sterile field stays intact throughout the procedure. Backhaus towel clamps have sharp, curved tips and are offered here in 3 1/2 in. and 5 1/4 in. lengths. The Edna towel clamp and non-perforating towel clamps offer gentler options that hold drapes without piercing them. A sterile, single-use towel clamp is also available for disposable setups.
Key Features
- Sharp Backhaus tips grip drapes firmly.
- Non-perforating designs hold drapes without puncturing them.
- Both reusable and single-use options are available.
Applications
- Securing drapes at the start of a procedure.
- Holding tubing or cords to drapes.
- Disposable procedure packs that use single-use clamps.
6. Umbilical Cord Clamps
Best for: Clamping the umbilical cord at birth in labor and delivery and newborn care settings.
Umbilical cord clamps are simple, single-use plastic clamps that close securely on the cord. The AMSure umbilical cord clamp from Amsino International is sterile, disposable, and latex-free with a safety lock. The Aspen double-grip umbilical cord clamp is sterile and latex-free. The Aspen umbilical cord-clamp clipper is designed to remove double-grip clamps once they are no longer needed.
Key Features
- Sterile, single-use packaging is ready for delivery.
- A locking design keeps the clamp closed once applied.
- A dedicated clipper is available for clamp removal.
Applications
- Cord clamping at vaginal and cesarean births.
- Newborn care in hospitals and birthing centers.
- Cord clamp removal during follow-up newborn care.
7. Specialty Clamps
Best for: Gynecologic, urologic, and thoracic procedures that call for a purpose-built instrument.
Some procedures rely on a clamp designed for one specific job. The Heaney-Kanter hysterectomy forceps (8 1/2 in.) are used in gynecologic surgery. The Aspen vasectomy no-scalpel ring clamp (15 gauge, 5 1/2 in.) is designed for no-scalpel vasectomy technique. The chest tube passer with an O ratchet (9 3/4 in.) assists with chest tube placement in cardiovascular and thoracic procedures.
Key Features
- Purpose-built jaw shapes are matched to specific procedures.
- Ratchet locks provide secure holding.
- Reusable, latex-free stainless steel construction is used throughout.
Applications
- Hysterectomy and other gynecologic surgery.
- No-scalpel vasectomy procedures.
- Chest tube placement.
When to Use Clamps & Hemostats
Clamps and hemostats are used throughout most surgical procedures and in several non-operating room settings. Common uses include:
- Bleeding control: Clamping vessels before ligation or cautery.
- Vascular surgery: Temporary or partial vessel occlusion during repair and anastomosis.
- Dissection: Right-angle clamps for working around vessels and ducts.
- Sterile field management: Towel clamps to secure drapes.
- Labor and delivery: Umbilical cord clamping at birth.
- Specialty procedures: Hysterectomy, vasectomy, and chest tube placement.
Instrument choice depends on vessel size, tissue type, and the surgeon's preference.
How to Use Clamps & Hemostats
This is a general overview. Always follow facility protocol, clinical training, and manufacturer instructions.
- Confirm sterility. Reusable instruments must be cleaned and sterilized per facility protocol, and single-use items should be in intact packaging.
- Inspect the instrument. Check that the jaws meet evenly and the ratchet locks and releases smoothly.
- Select the right size. Match the clamp to the vessel or tissue being clamped.
- Apply with control. Close the jaws to the ratchet setting needed to hold securely, avoiding unnecessary force.
- Release carefully. Open the ratchet in a controlled way once the vessel is ligated or the task is complete.
- Clean or dispose. Send reusable instruments for reprocessing and discard single-use clamps per facility protocol.
Key Features of Clamps & Hemostats
- Ratchet locking mechanisms: Most ring-handled clamps lock at adjustable pressure so they hold without constant hand force.
- Jaw variety: Straight, curved, angled, toothed, and delicate jaws suit different tissues and vessels.
- Range of sizes: From small bulldog clamps and micro forceps to 12 1/4 in. right-angle clamps.
- Specialty designs: Partial occlusion, tangential, and bulldog clamps support vascular work.
- Reusable and single-use options: Reusable, latex-free stainless steel instruments, plus sterile single-use cord clamps and towel clamps.
Benefits of Clamps & Hemostats
1. Reliable Bleeding Control
Hemostats let the surgical team stop bleeding quickly and keep the field clear. A clear field supports better visibility and steadier progress through the procedure.
2. Controlled Vessel Occlusion
Vascular and bulldog clamps allow surgeons to control blood flow in a vessel while repairing or connecting it. Partial occlusion designs let some flow continue when the procedure allows.
3. Hands-Free Holding
Ratchet locks and spring-loaded bulldog designs hold their position once applied, freeing the surgeon's and assistant's hands for other tasks.
4. A Secure Sterile Field
Towel clamps keep drapes in place throughout the case, helping maintain the sterile field from the first incision to closure.
5. Safe, Simple Newborn Cord Care
Sterile umbilical cord clamps give labor and delivery teams a quick, secure way to clamp the cord, with a dedicated clipper available for removal.
6. Versatility Across Specialties
With general, vascular, gynecologic, urologic, thoracic, and obstetric options in one category, departments can source the clamps they need from a consistent selection.
How to Choose the Right Clamps & Hemostats
Start with the task. For routine bleeding control, standard hemostats such as Halsted mosquito, Crile, Kelly, and Rochester-Pean forceps are the foundation of most trays. For dissection behind vessels or ducts, add right-angle clamps such as the Mixter or Lahey. Vascular programs need occlusion clamps and bulldogs sized to the vessels they work on.
Next, match the size to the tissue. Mosquito and micro forceps suit small vessels and delicate tissue, while Pean and Ochsner forceps handle larger bundles and denser tissue. Toothed jaws hold firmly but are less suitable for delicate structures.
Consider length and jaw shape. Longer instruments reach deeper fields, and curved or angled jaws help with access and visibility.
Finally, decide between reusable and single-use. Reusable stainless steel instruments suit facilities with in-house reprocessing. Single-use towel clamps and umbilical cord clamps support disposable workflows and newborn care. Review each product listing for size, jaw style, and sterility before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a clamp and a hemostat?
A hemostat is a specific type of clamp designed to stop bleeding by clamping vessels. "Clamp" is a broader term that also includes vascular clamps, bulldog clamps, towel clamps, and umbilical cord clamps. In everyday use, many people refer to ring-handled hemostatic forceps simply as clamps.
2. What is the difference between mosquito, Crile, and Kelly-style hemostats?
The main differences are size and jaw serration. Mosquito forceps are the smallest and finest, suited to small vessels. Crile and Kelly forceps are larger, and Rochester-Pean forceps are heavier still for larger tissue. Crile jaws are serrated along their full length, while Kelly jaws are serrated over the distal portion, so many surgeons use Kelly forceps for slightly larger vessels.
3. What is a bulldog clamp used for?
A bulldog clamp is a small, spring-loaded clamp used to temporarily occlude a blood vessel. Because it has no ring handles, it stays in place without crowding the field. DeBakey and Diethrich bulldog clamps are both offered in this category.
4. What does "partial occlusion" mean on a vascular clamp?
A partial occlusion clamp closes off only part of a vessel's wall, allowing the surgeon to work on that section while blood continues to flow through the rest of the vessel. Castaneda partial occlusion and DeBakey tangential clamps are examples.
5. Should I choose sharp or non-perforating towel clamps?
Sharp towel clamps such as the Backhaus pierce the drape for a firm hold. Non-perforating towel clamps grip the drape without puncturing it, which helps preserve the drape's barrier. The choice often depends on drape type and facility preference.
6. Are umbilical cord clamps reusable?
No. The umbilical cord clamps in this category are sterile, single-use devices. The Aspen umbilical cord-clamp clipper is the tool used to remove double-grip clamps.
7. Are these instruments latex-free?
Most products in this category are listed as latex-free. Check the individual product listing to confirm for a specific item.
Related Products
Forceps: Browse tissue, dressing, and other forceps to complete your grasping and handling instruments alongside your hemostats.
Medical Scissors: Dissecting and suture scissors are used with clamps to divide tissue and trim ligatures after vessels are tied.
Surgical Scalpels & Blades: Stock scalpels and blades for incisions and sharp dissection in the same procedures.
Surgical Kits: Pre-assembled surgical kits can simplify setup for routine procedures.
Keep every tray ready with Clamps & Hemostats from MedicalEx. Choose mosquito, Crile, Kelly, Pean, and Ochsner hemostats, Mixter right-angle clamps, DeBakey and Cooley vascular clamps, bulldog clamps, towel clamps, and sterile umbilical cord clamps from Aspen Surgical and Amsino International. Compare sizes and jaw styles to match your procedures, and explore our full range of Surgical Instruments for everything else your team needs.