Kelly forceps

Kelly forceps are a type of hemostat used in surgery and various medical procedures. They are named after Howard Atwood Kelly, a pioneering American gynecologist and one of the founding professors of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Kelly forceps are primarily used for clamping large blood vessels or manipulating heavy tissue.

Design and Features

Kelly forceps are characterized by their long, straight or curved jaws with a ratcheted handle. The jaws are serrated, which helps in gripping tissue or vessels securely. Unlike Mosquito forceps, which have fully serrated jaws, Kelly forceps have serrations that extend only halfway down the length of the jaws, allowing for a more delicate grip on tissues.

The ratchet mechanism on the handle allows the forceps to be locked in place, providing a secure hold without continuous pressure from the user. This feature is particularly useful during procedures that require sustained clamping.

Uses in Medical Procedures

Kelly forceps are versatile instruments used in various medical fields, including:

• Surgery: For clamping blood vessels to control bleeding, holding tissue, or securing sutures.
• Gynecology: In procedures such as hysterectomy or cesarean section, where they may be used to clamp the umbilical cord or other tissues.
• Emergency Medicine: For controlling bleeding in trauma situations.

Comparison with Other Forceps

Kelly forceps are often compared to other types of hemostats, such as:

• Mosquito forceps: Smaller and with fully serrated jaws, used for more delicate tasks.
• Crile forceps: Similar in size to Kelly forceps but with fully serrated jaws.

Maintenance and Sterilization

Proper maintenance and sterilization of Kelly forceps are crucial to ensure their longevity and prevent infection. They should be cleaned thoroughly after each use and sterilized using autoclaving or other appropriate methods.

History

The development of Kelly forceps is attributed to Howard Atwood Kelly, who was instrumental in advancing surgical techniques and tools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His contributions to gynecology and surgery have had a lasting impact on medical practice.

Also see

• Surgical instruments
• Hemostat
• Mosquito forceps
• Crile forceps
• Howard Atwood Kelly