title: Detachable clamps for minimal access surgery.
abstract: A detachable clamp and applicator have been developed for use in minimal access surgical operations involving hollow visceral transection and anastomosis. The clamp has parallel jaws which ensure uniform distribution of the occlusive force. Following application on the bowel, the clamp is released from the applicator, thus freeing the access port. On completion of the anastomosis, the clamp is docked to the applicator, its jaws opened for release from the bowel and then closed prior to removal. The jaws of the clamp are kept closed by a pseudoelastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy spring which imparts advantageous force characteristics when compared to stainless steel. The excellent holding and atraumatic characteristics of the detachable clamp have been confirmed by use in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgery on the gastrointestinal tract.
mesh_terms: D003082:Colectomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D016629:Esophagectomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000601:surgery*; D007582:Jejunostomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D020706:Laparoscopes; D013906:Thoracoscopy