DeBakey Forceps

Atraumatic, non-toothed thumb forceps used to handle blood vessels and delicate tissue in vascular, cardiothoracic, and head and neck surgery.

The DeBakey Forceps is also known as DeBakey tissue forceps.

"Atraumatic" describes jaws or tips designed to hold tissue with less crushing or tearing than conventional serrations or teeth. A well-known example is the DeBakey-type pattern of fine longitudinal rows of teeth, used on many vascular forceps and clamps. Other approaches include smooth rounded jaws, soft inserts on some clamps and specially profiled serrations. "Atraumatic" is a design description, not a clinical guarantee; tissue effects depend on the instrument, pressure and technique. Check the jaw pattern described by the manufacturer. See the DeBakey forceps guide.

Adson forceps are short thumb forceps, typically about 12 cm, with a broad grip and narrow tips, while DeBakey forceps are atraumatic forceps with a distinctive fine longitudinal jaw pattern, offered in a wide range of lengths. Adson forceps come with or without teeth and are generally associated with superficial tissue such as skin. DeBakey forceps are designed to grip delicate tissue, including vessels, with minimal crushing, and are associated with cardiovascular and general surgery. See the Adson and DeBakey guides for typical variants.

Lengths recorded from the sources for this guide: Often long; some examples are over 12 in (about 30 cm). Ranges differ between manufacturers, so confirm the exact size in the catalogue you order from.

This guide records these variations, handles and locks: Coarsely ribbed grip panel. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.

151 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Sklar Surgical Instruments (74), Accurate Surgical & Scientific Instruments (55), Hexamed (8), Lenox Surgical Instruments (8) and Rigor Instruments (6). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.

• Pattern and size: compare the tip and jaw pattern (smooth, serrated or toothed) and the working length with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the DeBakey Forceps this page records lengths of Often long; some examples are over 12 in (about 30 cm).
• 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).

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