How to Use a Hemostat

A hemostat is a medical instrument used during surgical procedures. A hemostat looks similar to a pair of scissors, but it is actually a clamp with ratchets. A hemostat is available in several sizes with a straight or curved tip. Surgeons use hemostats to secure blood vessels and stop them from bleeding before sutures are applied.

Instructions

• 1

  Slide thumb and forefinger through the two holes in the handle of the hemostat.

• 2

  Apply slight pressure to the hemostat by squeezing the device between the finger and thumb. Allow teeth in the handle to separate.

• 3

  Pull the ratchet area apart slightly and open grip on hand. This allows the hemostat to open on the clamp end.

• 4

  Grasp object in the clamp of the hemostat.

• 5

  Squeeze handle of hemostat to secure clamp with ratchet teeth.

• 6

  Repeat steps to open the hemostat and release the object.