Gallbladder clips are tiny medical devices used during a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This procedure is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, to treat conditions like gallstones or inflammation. The clips function as small, permanent ligatures that help safely detach the gallbladder from surrounding anatomical structures. They are a standard surgical tool, replacing traditional methods like knot-tying for securing vessels and ducts.
The Physical Appearance and Composition
Gallbladder clips are minute devices, often measured in millimeters, and are much smaller than a grain of rice when closed. The most common type is metallic, typically manufactured from medical-grade titanium. Titanium is favored because it is highly biocompatible and inert, meaning the body does not react negatively to it.
In their open state, metallic clips frequently have a V-shaped or chevron-like appearance. A specialized instrument called a clip applier is used to deliver and mechanically crimp the clip around the target structure, securing it closed. Alternatively, non-metallic options made from biocompatible polymers (specialized plastics) are sometimes used. These polymer clips may appear as a closed ring or a different shape but serve the same function of occlusion.
Surgical Function and Placement
The primary purpose of the clips is to achieve a secure seal around the structures connecting the gallbladder to the rest of the body. During a cholecystectomy, the surgeon must ligate (tie off) two structures: the cystic duct and the cystic artery. The cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the main bile duct, while the cystic artery is the organ’s main blood supply.
The clips are applied to these structures for immediate and secure occlusion. Sealing the cystic duct prevents bile from leaking into the abdominal cavity, which could cause severe infection. Occluding the cystic artery prevents internal bleeding. Applying the clips is significantly faster than performing an intracorporeal suture with knot-tying, which helps reduce operative time.
Permanence and Diagnostic Imaging
The most common titanium clips are non-absorbable and remain permanently inside the body following the operation. Once applied, the clips are fixed in position where the gallbladder was removed. The material’s inert nature allows it to reside in the body without causing long-term issues for most patients.
The metallic composition of titanium clips makes them visible on almost all medical imaging. On standard X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, the dense metal appears as bright white artifacts. For magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), titanium is generally safe because it is non-ferromagnetic and will not be pulled by the strong magnets. However, titanium clips can cause susceptibility artifacts—signal distortions that appear as dark or bright areas—sometimes obscuring the tissue around the clip site on the scan.