Kelly clamps are a type of hemostatic forceps (also called ring forceps or hemostats), which are hinged and look like ring scissors. Frequently, hemostatic forceps have a locking mechanism called a ratchet, which is used for clamping. The jaws of the locking forceps gradually come together as each increment of the ratchet is employed. We will look at Kelly clamps to see what makes them stand out as a popular style of hemostats.

Ring Forceps, Hemostatic Forceps & Hemostats

Ring forceps are used for grasping, holding firmly, or exerting traction upon objects. Hemostatic forceps are used to securely hold tissue. When they are used to control blood flow, they are called hemostats. Hemostats are typically used to compress blood vessels or other tubular structures to obstruct the flow of blood or fluids.

Their jaws can be straight, curved, or right-angled, and they come in a variety of sizes. For example, Mosquito hemostats clamp small blood vessels, and Kelly hemostats can be used to clamp larger vessels or grasp tissue. Kelly hemostats and Rochester forceps look similar. However, Kelly hemostats have shorter serrations. Rochester hemostats can reach a little deeper.

Features of Kelly Clamps

Kelly clamps (Kelly hemostatic forceps) are used in surgical and medical procedures for clamping blood vessels or tissues to control bleeding. They are a specific design of hemostat. Kelly clamps have a ratcheted locking mechanism that allows them to stay clamped in place, providing a consistent and secure grip on blood vessels or tissues. The jaws of Kelly clamps are serrated, which helps to enhance their grip on the targeted area. They come with straight or curved tips and in a variety of lengths (~14-16 cm/5.5-6.5”). Kelly clamps have medium-length jaws, making them versatile for a variety of surgical applications.

Popular Hemostats

Several hemostat styles are popular in medical settings and research laboratories. Here is a description of WPI’s most popular hemostats.

• Kelly hemostats have medium-length, serrated jaws and a ratcheted locking mechanism. At 14-16 cm (5.5-6.5”) long, they are a go-to choice for many general applications.
• Crile hemostats have straight or slightly curved tips with serrated or smooth jaws. Like the Kelly Clamps, they have a ratcheted locking mechanism and are 14-16 cm long.
• Kelly-Rankin forceps are also like the Kelly hemostats. However, their curved tip is less pronounced, and they are used for delicate tissue handling and clamping.
• Mixter hemostats (also called Baby Mixter hemostats) have a right-angle bend at the tip, which is serrated, and they also have a ratcheted lock. They are about 14 cm (5”) long, and they are used in delicate procedures, especially in neurosurgery and orthopedics.
• The smaller Mosquito hemostats and Micro Mosquito hemostats have long, thin, and straight or curved jaws that taper to a fine tip. The jaws are serrated for a firm grasp with minimal tissue trauma. The handles have a ratchet lock to secure your grasp once it is engaged. They are more often used for microsurgery and in situations requiring precision. They are 9-12.5 cm (3.5-5”) long. Halsted Mosquito hemostats are like the Mosquito hemostat but with a finer and more delicate design. They are often used in microsurgery and procedures requiring meticulous handling.
• Rochester-Carmalt hemostats (also called the stars and stripes hemostats) are like Crile hemostats but with larger jaws. Characterized by the longitudinal serrations that run the length of the blade with cross-hatching at the tip, these are often used in procedures where a more secure grip is needed. They range in length from 16-20 cm (6.25-7.75”).
• Rochester-Pean hemostats also have a ratcheted locking mechanism and serrated jaws. They are used for clamping larger blood vessels. They are 16-19 cm (6.25-7.5”) long, with curved or straight tips.

These styles represent a range of options available to surgeons, and the choice often depends on the specific requirements of your application, the size of blood vessels or tissues being manipulated, and your preferences
 

Surgeons and researchers likely have a variety of hemostats in their toolkits to address different needs during a surgery or dissection. Kelly clamps are a frequent choice for general applications. World Precision Instruments offers many choices for hemostats and clamps.

If you have questions, please give use a call at (866) 606-1974 or email us at [email protected].

View Hemostatic Forceps