Microvascular Clamp Types: Single, Double, Framed and Hand Applied

A microvascular clamp holds a small vessel closed, without damaging its wall, while it is repaired under the microscope. Single clamps occlude one vessel. Double clamps hold the two ends together so they can be sutured, and framed doubles add a frame that keeps the ends steady and can hold stay sutures. In our codes, A means jaws calibrated for thick walled arteries, V means general purpose, and a final B means a black finish that stands out against tissue under the microscope. Hand applied clamps (HD and RD) are placed and released by hand rather than with an applier.

Where does this clamp system come from?

Modern microvascular clamps grew out of the early days of microsurgery in the 1960s and 1970s. The British surgeon Robert Acland worked on early microsurgical instruments and the 10-0 nylon suture, wrote the microsurgery manual known as the "Red Book", and is honoured by a vessel clamp named after him, according to a review of Acland's microsurgery manual in Archives of Plastic Surgery. The single (B) and double (ABB) numbering used on our clamps follows the same widely used pattern.

How do you read the clamp codes?

Which size suits which vessel?

In the clamp series our codes follow, size 1 is for the smallest vessels and size 3 for the largest. As a reference, a published table of clamp sizes gives approximate vessel diameters of about 0.4 to 1.0 mm for B-1, 0.6 to 1.5 mm for B-2 and 1.0 to 2.2 mm for B-3. The ranges overlap, so the choice also depends on wall thickness. Tell us the vessels you work on and we will confirm which of our clamps fit before you order.

Which clamps do we make?

Clamps are placed with a clamp applying forceps such as our micro clip applying forceps. Fine micro forceps and vessel dilators complete the set.

How do you choose?

• Single or double. A single clamp stops flow in one vessel. A double clamp holds both ends for an end to end anastomosis.
• Frame. A framed double keeps the ends still and can hold stay sutures, which helps on longer repairs.
• A or V. Firmer A jaws for thick walled arteries. General V jaws for veins and thinner vessels, where lower pressure protects the wall.
• Black or matte. Black clamps stand out against tissue and cut glare under the microscope.

How should microvascular clamps be cleaned?

Clean clamps in a fine mesh tray so they are not lost or crushed, and never let them tumble with heavy instruments. Check the jaws under magnification for alignment and burrs before every use. A clamp that has lost its spring tension or alignment should be retired, because it can damage the vessel wall. Never leave instruments in saline, because it causes corrosion. Our instrument care guide gives the full routine, and the CDC guidance on cleaning instruments before sterilization explains why cleaning comes before the autoclave.

Frequently asked questions

What is a microvascular clamp used for?

Holding a small vessel closed, without damaging its wall, while it is repaired under the microscope.

What is the difference between A and V clamps?

In our range, A clamps have matte jaws calibrated for thick walled arteries, with firmer pressure. V clamps are general purpose.

Why choose a black clamp?

The black finish stands out against tissue and reduces glare under the operating microscope.

Can microvascular clamps be autoclaved?

Yes. Sterilize them in a protective tray and check spring tension and jaw alignment afterwards.

Related instrument guides

• Tissue and dressing forceps
• Hemostatic forceps
• Needle holder types
• Plastic surgery scissors

Order microvascular clamps

See the full micro vascular clamp range. For a set for a hospital, a clinic or a distributor, send us your list and we will send you a quote.