Towel clamps, also known as surgical towel clips or towel forceps, are essential surgical instruments used to secure surgical drapes or towels to a patient's body during various surgical procedures. They help maintain a sterile field by preventing the drapes from shifting or falling onto the surgical site. Additionally, towel clamps assist in controlling bleeding by applying pressure to specific areas.
There are several types of towel clamps commonly used in surgery, including:
Backhaus Towel Forceps: This type of towel clamp has sharp, pointed tips and a ratcheted mechanism to hold towels or drapes securely in place. The sharp tips allow for easy penetration through fabric.
Jones Towel Forceps: Jones towel clamps have flat, grooved tips that provide a secure grip on towels or drapes without piercing the fabric. They are often used for delicate or sensitive surgical procedures.
The choice of towel clamp depends on the surgeon's preference, the type of surgery, and the specific requirements of the procedure. Surgeons and surgical teams carefully select and position towel clamps to ensure the sterile field remains intact and to enhance patient safety during surgery.
