Allis Clamp
Also known as: Allis forceps, Allis tissue forceps
Locking tissue forceps with rows of sharp interlocking teeth, used to grasp and hold heavy tissue, fascia or tissue that will be removed.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Allis Clamp
The Allis clamp (Allis forceps) is a ring-handled locking forceps whose jaws end in sharp, interlocking teeth. American surgeon Oscar Allis designed it in 1883 for abdominal surgery. It has since become a general-purpose holding instrument in many specialties.
It is used to grasp and hold heavy tissue, fascia and soft tissue such as breast or bowel. Because its teeth can damage tissue, it is often placed on tissue that is about to be removed. When it is used to grasp the cervix, for example during IUD insertion, it can cause less bleeding than a tenaculum.
Allis clamps are described by their tooth pattern, such as 4×5 or 5×6, and come in standard lengths as well as long versions for deep or bariatric work. Closely related holding forceps include the Babcock and Kocher patterns.
Product reference: Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Grasping and holding heavy tissue
- Holding fascia
- Grasping breast or bowel tissue
- Holding tissue that is to be excised
- Grasping the cervix, e.g. for IUD insertion
Variations, sizes & configurations
Jaw, tip & blade configurations
- Sharp interlocking teeth
Lengths
- 15cm
- 19cm
- 25cm
- 35cm
- 41cm
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Material & finish
Catalogue specifications (Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments)
- Allis Tissue Forceps 41cm, 16″, 5×6 teeth
- Allis Tissue Forceps 35cm, 14″, 5×6 teeth
- Allis Tissue Forceps, 25cm, 5X6 Teeth
- Allis Tissue Forceps, 19cm, 5X6 Teeth
- Allis Tissue Forceps, 15cm, 5X6 Teeth
- Allis Tissue Forceps, 15cm, 4X5 Teeth
As published in the brand’s online catalogue. View official product ↗
Companies offering this instrument
Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments
Westbury, United States
New York supplier of surgical instruments for many specialties, with offices on both US coasts.
Shown only where the company’s own catalogue or website lists this instrument.
Further reading
- Kelly, Crile, Mosquito and Rochester-Pean Hemostats ComparedHow the Halsted mosquito, Crile, Kelly and Rochester-Pean hemostats differ in size and jaw serration, plus how to…
- How to Read a Surgical Instrument CataloguePatterns, lengths, tips, locks, materials and finishes: the catalogue terms buyers need to compare instrument offers like for…
- Stainless Steel Grades and Finishes for Surgical InstrumentsMartensitic vs austenitic steel, ISO 7153-1 and ASTM F899, tungsten carbide inserts, titanium, and satin vs mirror finishes…
Questions about the Allis Clamp
What is an Allis Clamp used for?
Locking tissue forceps with rows of sharp interlocking teeth, used to grasp and hold heavy tissue, fascia or tissue that will be removed.
What other names is the Allis Clamp known by?
The Allis Clamp is also known as Allis forceps, Allis tissue forceps.
What is the difference between Allis and Babcock forceps?
Both are ring-handled, ratcheted tissue-holding forceps, but Allis forceps have short interlocking teeth at the jaw tips, while Babcock forceps have rounded, fenestrated jaws without sharp teeth. Allis forceps give a firm grip and are generally associated with tissue that will be removed or that tolerates a secure hold. Babcock forceps are generally regarded as less traumatic and are associated with grasping delicate tubular structures such as bowel. Both come in several lengths. See the Allis clamp guide. Which to use is a clinical decision.
What lengths and sizes is the Allis Clamp listed in?
Lengths recorded from the sources for this guide: 15 cm, 19 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm and 41 cm. Ranges differ between manufacturers, so confirm the exact size in the catalogue you order from.
Which configurations of the Allis Clamp are documented?
This guide records these variations, jaw, tip or blade: Sharp interlocking teeth. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Which companies offer the Allis Clamp?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Allis Clamp include Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Allis Clamp?
Other clamps in this directory include Hemostat (Hemostatic Forceps) and Thumb Forceps (Tissue Forceps). See all clamps.
What should I check when sourcing clamps?
- Pattern and size: compare the jaw pattern and shape, the ratchet and the length with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Allis Clamp this page records lengths of 15 cm, 19 cm, 25 cm and 35 cm and Sharp interlocking teeth tips.
- Material: this guide records stainless steel; confirm the exact steel grade or alloy in the supplier’s documentation, such as the material specification or certificate.
- Finish and any coating, as stated by the supplier.
- Regulatory marking or registration required in your target market (see medical device certifications).
- Reprocessing: the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation instructions in the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allis_clamp
- accuratesurgical.com/bariatric/allis-tissue-forceps-6/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forceps
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.
Related instruments
Hemostat (Hemostatic Forceps)
Hinged, ratcheted locking forceps used to clamp blood vessels shut and control bleeding during surgery, made in many named patterns.
Thumb Forceps (Tissue Forceps)
Non-locking, spring-handled forceps held like a pen, used to grasp, hold and move tissue, dressings and sutures; tips may be toothed or smooth.