From the Guidelines
A DeBakey forceps is a specialized surgical instrument used primarily in cardiovascular and vascular procedures, featuring fine, precise tips designed for delicate tissue handling during surgery. The DeBakey forceps have atraumatic tips with fine teeth that allow surgeons to grasp blood vessels and other delicate tissues without causing damage, as seen in various surgical instruments used in cardiovascular procedures 1. These tools come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different surgical needs, including the MicroMed DeBakey, a continuous, axial-flow pump, which is available for use in children 5 to 16 years of age 1. Some key characteristics of the DeBakey forceps include:
- Fine, precise tips for delicate tissue handling
- Atraumatic tips with fine teeth to minimize tissue damage
- Various sizes and configurations for different surgical needs
- Essential in procedures like vascular anastomosis, valve repair, and other precise cardiovascular operations The instrument was developed by Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, a pioneering cardiovascular surgeon who revolutionized heart surgery techniques in the 20th century, and is crucial for successful outcomes in cardiovascular procedures, where minimal tissue trauma is vital 1. Their design allows for secure gripping while minimizing the risk of tissue crushing or tearing, which is particularly important when handling fragile vascular structures, highlighting the importance of using specialized instruments like the DeBakey forceps in cardiovascular surgery 1.
From the Research
Definition and Use of DeBakey Forceps
- The DeBakey forceps, also known as DeBakey vascular clamp, is a surgical instrument used in vascular surgery to occlude blood vessels 2, 3.
- It is used to assist in direct clipping of thick-walled giant aneurysms with a partially calcified atheromatic base 2.
- The DeBakey forceps is also used in other vascular procedures, such as aortic dissection repair 4, 5, 6.
Characteristics and Comparison with Other Instruments
- The DeBakey vascular clamp has a unique design that allows for atraumatic vessel occlusion 3.
- Compared to other vascular clamps, such as the Crile forceps and Halsted-Mosquito forceps, the DeBakey forceps has been shown to be effective in assisting direct clipping of thick-walled giant aneurysms 2.
- However, some studies have reported that the DeBakey forceps can cause vessel wall injury, highlighting the need for further refinement of the instrument 3.
Clinical Applications
- The DeBakey forceps has been used in various clinical applications, including the treatment of giant aneurysms 2, aortic dissection repair 4, 5, 6, and other vascular procedures.
- The instrument has been shown to be effective in assisting surgeons in complex vascular procedures, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes 2, 4, 6.