Kelly Clamp vs. Hemostat: Choosing the Right Tool

The success of a surgical intervention depends on the choice of the right tool. Sometimes, the surgical tools can be confused due to their appearance. Kelly clamp vs. hemostat is an interesting comparison. The former is a type of the greater category of hemostats. Grey Medical is a trusted surgical company with a known name in manufacturing and supplying quality medical instruments. 

This Grey Medical guide will assist you in choosing the right tool when the time comes. You will get to know an in-depth analysis of different uses of the Kelly clamp and hemostats. 

What is a Hemostat?

A hemostat is a specialised medical tool constructed to perform ligation and occlusion. Controlling and regulating the flow of blood is crucial in the surgical field. A hemostat is used to clamp the ends of the vessels, veins, and arteries. This prevents the excessive loss of blood during any complex or simple surgical intervention. 

Below is a quick round of its major features: 

• A hemostat comes with a ratchet lock mechanism to facilitate automation.
• It has a straight jaw for a proper grip.
• The handles have designated spots for fingers. 

There are different configurations and styles of this tool. Most of the hemostats have small tips to assist the clamping of smaller vessels. While the hemostats with wider clutching ends assist in holding the large vessels. 

What is a Hemostat Used for?

Temporary hemostasis is a temporary condition during the intervention when the blood stops flowing. These surgical tools find immense usage in different surgical domains, such as general surgery, gynaecology, veterinary medicine, orthopaedics, etc. The following are its major applications: 

• To keep the end of the vessel clutched. This prevents the loss of blood. 
• To grasp the dangling parts of the tissues for better visibility.
• To keep the surgical site wide open for proper analysis. 

Every surgical procedure has different needs. Therefore, at our facility, we house hemostats of different types and configurations. 

Types of Hemostats

Below is a brief introduction to major hemostats:

Adson forceps

These hemostats mostly find application in tonsillitis and other standard surgeries. Apart from clamping, they can also be used to hold dressings and surgical material. Usually, the tool has wide rings for maximum grip and control. The edges can either be obtained in a straight configuration or curved. 

Lovelace forceps

Thoracotomy surgical procedures usually use Lovelace forceps. These have extraordinary latching properties to clamp the vessels. However, in cases, these can also assist in separating the lesions. The jaws are mostly triangular for maximum surface coverage. 

Crile forceps

General surgeries see the use of Crile forceps. They work to clamp broader and larger blood vessels. Jaws are either straight or curved, depending on the location of the vessel. They are available in different configurations.

Hartmann Alligator forceps

These forceps are mostly constructed to remove foreign objects from closeted areas of the body. These are specially constructed to assist the ENT surgical fields. 

Benefits of Hemostats for Surgery

There are many plus points to equipping the surgical field with modern hemostats: 

• These specialised surgical tools are excellent for occluding. They help to clamp the ends of the vessels. After clamping, cauterisation can easily be performed. 
• Once the blood flow has stopped, surgeons are better able to view the surgical site. 
• Hemostats are excellent lifesavers. Excessive loss of blood can be fatal. Hemostats stop the flow of blood. 

What Is a Kelly Clamp?

Kelly clamps are a type of hemostat. They have a particular configuration. The hemostat is an umbrella term comprising different configurations of hemostatic forceps and clamps. A Kelly clamp has a ratchet locking mechanism. This allows the surgeon to keep their hands free during the surgery. They are crafted to give a consistent grip on the blood vessels. The jaws are kept serrated for maximum grip over the tissues. 

What Is a Kelly Hemostat Used for?

The primary function of a Kelly hemostat is to perform clamping and occlusion. However, sometimes, Kelly hemostats may also assist in holding tissues and removing any foreign objects from the surgical site. Typically, they are the favourite of gynaecologists who use them to clamp the umbilical cord. At times, technicians can use Kelly clamps to perform suturing. Tissue manipulation is yet another feature of Kelly hemostats. 

Types of Kelly Clamps

There are different types of Kelly clamps depending on the configuration: 

Kelly Hemostatic Forceps

These are by far the most commonly used Kelly clamps. Kelly hemostatic forceps are ideal for clutching the blood vessels and tissues, if need be. They work wonders on the intricate tissues of the body. 

Rankin-Kelly Clamps

Standard Kelly clamps are different from Rankin-Kelly clamps. These are modernised and have a pronounced shank for maximum grip. The size is larger, which helps to clamp and grip larger and wider tissues. 

Kelly-Rankin Forceps

Kelly-Rankin forceps are a delicate version of normal Kelly clamps. They have a slight curve in their construction. Due to this configuration, they are a favourite in general surgeries where complicated manipulations are not required. 

Benefits of Kelly Clamps for Surgery

• Kelly clamps are an all-in-one solution. They not only help to clamp but can also prove to be an all-rounder in the surgical field by holding objects, dressings, etc. 
• Most of the Kelly clamps have a curved configuration. This allows the surgeons to gain access to the close regions of the body. 
• Slippage is minimised to a maximum as the jaws are serrated. 

FAQs

Q1: How to maintain your hemostats and Kelly clamps?

Keeping your hemostats and Kelly clamps maintained is important for their durability. After using the instruments, it is advisable to sterilise them thoroughly. Cleaning is followed by proper storage in a surgical kit. 

Q2: Are Kelly clamps and hemostats reusable?

Yes, these are made of surgical-grade stainless steel, which is reusable after proper cleaning. 

Excel the Surgical Domain with Grey Medical’s Durable Kelly Clamps and Hemostats

Grey Medical has been serving the medical domain for well over 20 years. We believe in upholding standards and supplying the best surgical equipment. If you are looking for a trusted surgical supply store, our manufacturing facility can prove its mettle. You can order our latest deals by contacting us now!