Which clamp is larger for medium-sized vessels and broader occlusion?

• A. Kelly Clamp
• B. Mosquito Clamp
• C. Curved Crile Clamp
• D. Crile Clamp

Answer: (D)

When you’re controlling bleeding, the clamp you choose should match the size of the vessel and provide a broad, stable bite without over-crushing surrounding tissue. The Crile clamp fits that role for medium-sized vessels because it has sturdy, medium-length jaws with serrations that bite firmly and distribute pressure across a wider area. This makes it well suited for broad occlusion of vessels that are not tiny but not the largest either.

The mosquito clamp is built for very small vessels and delicate work, so it’s too small for medium calibers. The curved Crile is essentially the same idea but its curve can limit applying a broad, even occlusion over a wider surface. The Kelly clamp is larger and generally used for bigger pedicles or thicker tissue where broader, heavier occlusion is needed; that would be more than what’s appropriate for medium vessels.