Surgical clips are medical devices used during surgical procedures. They assist surgeons in various tasks, and can be made from materials that either remain permanently in the body or dissolve over time. Their use is standard practice in many operations, reflecting their adaptability and effectiveness.
The Role of Surgical Clips
Surgical clips primarily control bleeding during an operation. Their main function is hemostasis, stopping blood flow from vessels. Clips achieve this by mechanically compressing or closing off blood vessels, preventing blood loss. This provides a secure and immediate way to seal vessels.
Beyond controlling bleeding, surgical clips serve other purposes. They can mark specific anatomical structures, aiding identification during a procedure or for future diagnostic imaging. Clips also help secure tissues. Their use can be faster and more efficient than traditional methods like suturing, especially in confined surgical spaces.
Types of Surgical Clips
Surgical clips are categorized by their material and behavior within the body. One type is the non-absorbable, or permanent, clip. These are typically made from medical-grade titanium, known for its strength and biocompatibility. Once applied, titanium clips remain in the body indefinitely, providing long-term occlusion of vessels or stable tissue approximation.
The other type is the absorbable, or resorbable, clip. These are composed of polymers, such as polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid. Absorbable clips gradually break down and are absorbed by the body over time. This is advantageous in surgical contexts where a temporary seal is sufficient.
Common Uses in Surgery
Surgical clips are used across a wide range of surgical specialties and procedures. They are frequently employed in minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic procedures, where small incisions and specialized instruments are utilized. In these settings, clips offer a practical solution for sealing vessels and ducts due to limited working space.
Examples include gallbladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy), where clips routinely secure the cystic artery and duct. They are also common in kidney removal (nephrectomy) for ligating smaller blood vessels and in appendix removal (appendectomy) for closing the appendiceal stump and its blood supply. Clips are also used in endoscopic procedures to address gastrointestinal bleeding or after polyp removal.
Living with Surgical Clips
Permanent surgical clips are generally well-tolerated. Modern clips, particularly those made from titanium, are inert within the body, meaning they do not react with surrounding tissues. Patients typically cannot feel these small implants and rarely experience discomfort or pain.
Concerns about permanent clips interfering with medical imaging, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are often addressed by the materials used. Many contemporary surgical clips are designed to be MRI-compatible, allowing safe scans. It is important to inform healthcare providers about any implanted devices before an MRI. Surgical clips generally do not activate metal detectors due to their small size and material composition. Absorbable clips dissolve over time, leaving no permanent foreign material in the body.