GB2227200A - Surgical clamping forceps - Google Patents

Abstract

Clamping forceps for holding a catheter in the cystic duct during the performance of an operative cholecystogram is formed of plastics, e.g. polysolphone, ceramics or other materials, which are transparent or translucent to X-rays and capable of multiple sterilization, such as auto-claving, gamma-ray and gas sterilization. <IMAGE>

Description

CHOLECYSTOGRKM CLAMP This invention relates to devices for clamping organs in the body such as the Cystic Duct during Surgical Procedures, manufactured in such a way that they can hold the appropriate body parts in position until the Surgeon has established the correct conditions to perform the Surgical Procedure and yet, be of such a design that during the course of the exploratory X-ray examination, parts of the body shadowed by the device are sufficiently visible to enable the Surgeon to determine the precise anatomy without difficulty.

In the case of the Bile Duct, there are two essential features required of this device, 1. The clamp must retain the catheter in the cystic duct as required by the Surgeon throughout the examination period, without causing any damage to that organ.

2. The clamp is sufficiently transparent to X-rays, to allow detailed examination of those organs adjacent to, or hidden behind the clamp.

Whereas the majority of Surgical Clamps are manufactured from various metals and are thus opaque to X-rays, this pattern relates to a device manufactured in a material having sufficient strength to enable clamping and locking actions to be performed and maintained during the period of the examination, and for what ever time is necessary thereafter. This device is manufactured in a material which is transparent or translucent to X-rays and is capable of being sterilized by all commonly accepted techniques, such as Auto Claving, Flash Auto Claving, Gamma Ray Sterilization and Gas Sterilization to required medical standards. One such device is moulded in a specific plastic material such as polysolphone which has the necessary properties to meet the above mentioned requirements. Other materials such as slipcast Ceramics can be equally affective.

A device which is called the Cholecystogram Clamp consists of two arms held together by a simple rivet system to create a basic Scissor Action.

Clamp, In the event that the material is truly transparent to X-rays, a metal marker must be moulded into the clamp to ensure its presence is visible by X-ray examination. A translucent material is sufficiently visible on X-ray plates to ensure its presence is readily determined.

One end of the clamp provides a grip for the Surgeon, whilst the other end is so designed to be properly suitable to grasp the Cystic Duct. This working end of the clamp is angled to provide the Surgeon with maximum visibility of the organ during Surgical Procedures. .The length of the device and the clamping hole are both extremely important. The clamping hole is typically 3.00mum in diameter, and should not be less than 2.75mm or greater than 3.5mum.

The centre of this hole is situated normally at 10mm from the centre of the joint, and must not be greater than 13mm or less than 8mm from this pivot point. The centre of the hole is normally situated at 5mm from the end, and must not be greater than 8mm from the end. A typical clamp has a simple single rachet lock at the handle. Details of the device are shown in the drawing Figure 1.

Claims (1)

1. A device is described for holding or clamping parts of the body during the course of surgical procedures by an instrument which is translucent to X-rays, or if a marker is used transparent to X-rays, so that little obstruction to X-rays occurs near the working end of the clamp, 2, One particular clamp which is used for clamping the Cystic Duct has been designed with specific dimensions which ensures satisfactory use on most Cystic Ducts. The dimensions are essential for the successful operation of the clamp.