Introduction to Artery Forceps: Definition & Role

Artery forceps, also called ring forceps or hemostats, are common surgical instruments used in medical, veterinary, and laboratory settings to control bleeding during procedures. Artery forceps are used to clamp blood vessels, tissues, or other small structures, effectively minimizing blood flow during surgical procedures. These forceps prevent excessive bleeding for the subject and offer a clear view of the surgical site for the operator. Here’s a brief introduction to the features and artery forceps uses in a laboratory setting.

Types of Artery Forceps: Curved, Straight, Mosquito & More

Here are the main artery forceps types, each designed for specific surgical needs.

1. Straight Artery Forceps

These are basic but essential tools used across many surgical procedures. Their straight jaws make them suitable for visible and accessible areas, offering a steady grip on vessels or tissues.

1. Curved Artery Forceps

The curved design helps surgeons work in deeper parts of the body. They are particularly useful when the surgical field is narrow, providing better access and visibility.

1. Mosquito Artery Forceps

These are the smallest type of artery forceps, designed for clamping tiny blood vessels during delicate surgeries. Commonly used in paediatric, facial, and ENT procedures, their fine tips and light grip help avoid trauma to fragile tissues.

1. Kocher Artery Forceps

Known for their toothed jaws, Kocher artery forceps offer a firm grip making them useful in orthopaedic and abdominal surgeries where strong, slip-free handling of tough tissue is needed. They help secure blood vessels and prevent bleeding during deep dissections.

1. Adson Artery Forceps

These forceps are designed for precision. They’re ideal for holding small or delicate tissues during plastic surgery, wound closure, or microsurgical procedures. Their narrow, pointed tips ensure accurate handling without damaging the surrounding area.

Essential Uses: How Artery Forceps Are Applied in Surgery

Clamping Blood Vessels (Hemostasis)

Used to control bleeding during surgeries by clamping blood vessels, artery forceps are essential for maintaining a clear surgical field and preventing blood loss. Different designs accommodate various vessel sizes and depths.

Blunt Dissection & Tissue Handling

Artery forceps help in grasping, holding, and separating tissues during procedures. Their firm grip allows precise dissection without damaging delicate structures ideal for surgeries requiring accuracy and control.

Holding Sutures and Needles

They act as reliable holders for suture needles during stitching. Their stable grip improves accuracy in placing sutures, especially in deep or hard-to-reach areas.

Foreign Object Retrieval

In emergency or surgical scenarios, artery forceps can be used to retrieve small foreign bodies or tissue fragments safely and effectively.

Assisting in Drainage Procedures

These instruments also come in handy for guiding or securing drainage tubes, especially in wound or abscess drainage cases.

Curved Artery Forceps: Features and Specialized Uses

Curved artery forceps often called artery clamps or hemostats are trusted tools used by surgeons to control bleeding by gently clamping blood vessels. What sets them apart is their ability to grip without causing damage or injury to the vessel. With their curved, serrated jaws and locking ratchet mechanism, these forceps provide a secure hold on tissues and vessels during surgery. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, tailored to suit different types of procedures and anatomical areas.

Uses of Curved Artery Forceps:

Curved artery forceps offer versatile use in surgical procedures, especially for clamping vessels in deep or hard-to-reach areas with precision and control.

1. Clamp and hold blood vessels effectively to reduce bleeding during surgery
2. Handle delicate tissues with care, minimising trauma
3. Provide secure support during suturing or dissection
4. Help in blunt tissue dissection, especially in abdominal surgeries
5. Temporarily control blood flow in arteries
6. Improve visibility and access to deeper structures
7. Remove small foreign objects or clots with precision

Mosquito & Straight Forceps: Comparing Functions

Mosquito artery forceps are small, scissor-like surgical tools designed to control bleeding by clamping small blood vessels. Commonly used in veterinary surgeries, they’re equally valuable across other medical fields, especially where precision matters. Their fine, tapered jaws either straight or curved allow easy access to narrow or deep surgical areas. A ratchet mechanism keeps the grip steady, while the ring handles ensure comfortable control.

Typically 3.5 to 5 inches long, these forceps are ideal for delicate procedures, offering a secure hold with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues. They also come in various patterns and sizes to match different surgical needs.

Proper Handling and Safe Technique for Artery Forceps

Using artery forceps the right way ensures safety for both the patient and the practitioner. Here's a clear guide to help you hold, lock, and release them properly during procedures:

1. Holding the Forceps

Slide your thumb and ring finger into the loops. Rest your index finger gently along the shaft for control and stability. This grip gives you the best balance of strength and precision.

2. Locking the Jaws

Gently squeeze the handles together until you hear or feel a light "click." The built-in ratchet mechanism will lock the forceps in place, maintaining a firm hold on the vessel or tissue without continuous pressure.

3. Unlocking the Forceps

To release, apply slight outward pressure on the handles. This will disengage the ratchet and allow the jaws to open smoothly. Avoid forcing them open let the ratchet release naturally.

Best Practices

1. Ensure the jaws meet properly before clamping.
2. Use just enough pressure to secure never crush tissue.
3. Match the forceps to the vessel or area you're working on.
4. Precision matters more than force.

Key Differences: Artery Forceps vs. Needle Holders

The following is the difference between artery forceps and needle holder.

Mix-Ups Can Be Risky

Using an artery forceps instead of a needle holder can cause the needle to slip or rotate, leading to inaccurate sutures or injury.

Artery forceps are not built for handling needles; their serrations may damage the needle or the surrounding tissue.

Needle holders provide better grip and control for stitching—without them, delicate suturing becomes difficult and less precise.