[Metallurgical study on Heifetz clip failure (author's transl)].
A metallurgical study on a fractured aneurysm clip (Heifetz) was described. The conclusion can be summarized by the following: 1) Metallurgical data clearly indicate that the mode of failure is intergranular creacking--probably form a stress-corrosion mechanism. 2) Surgically used aneurysm clip is always in corrosive environments form the metallurgical points of view. Apart from inadequate sterilization was well as mishandling, therefore, corrosion of a metal clip is unavoidable. 3) A clip with multiple parts and made from different alloys may have a greater tendency to corrode than a clip of the one-piece variety. In this meaning Yasargil's clips without strut may be most useful.
D003343:Corrosion; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000601:surgery; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013525:Surgical Instruments