A hemostat (also called a hemostatic clamp, arterial forceps, or pean after Jules-Émile Péan), is a vital surgical tool used in almost any surgical procedure, usually to control bleeding. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see the initial incision lined with hemostats closing blood vessels awaiting ligation during the initial phases of surgery. They belong to a group of instruments that pivot (similar to scissors, includes needle holders, tissue holders and various clamps), and where the structure of the tip determines their function.
The hemostat has handles that can be held in place by the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is typically a series of interlocking teeth, a few on each handle, that allow the user to adjust the clamping tension of the pliers. By locking on, the force between the tips rises to approximately 40 N (9 lbf).
Hemostats are part of the first aid kit carried by combat medics and paramedics. They are also used while circuit soldering as a heatsink, and by fishermen to remove hooks from the mouths of fish.
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The earliest known drawing of a pivoting surgical instrument dates back to 1500 BC on a tomb at Thebes, Egypt. Later Roman bronze and steel pivot-controlled instruments have been found in Pompeii, and in the ninth century AD Albucasis made illustrations of pivoting instruments for tooth extraction.
The concept of clamping a bleeding vessel with an instrument before tying it off is generally attributed to Galen. This method of hemostasis was largely forgotten for 1400 years, but was rediscovered by the French barber-surgeon Ambroise Paré in the 16th century. He made the predecessor to the modern hemostat calling it the Bec de Corbin (crow's beak) (see image below) and with it he could clamp the bleeding vessel before securing it with a ligature.
The modern hemostat is credited to several persons, foremost Jules-Émile Péan. Later surgeons (i.e. William Halsted) made alterations.
John Kirkup, MD, FRCS "The Evolution of Surgical Instruments" - historyofscience.com
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