Artery Forceps: Straight, Curved & Ratchet Haemostats
Artery forceps are ratcheted haemostats applied directly to a bleeding vessel to close it until it can be tied or coagulated. Three features define them: serrated jaws that stop the vessel slipping, a box joint that keeps the jaws aligned under load, and a ratchet in the handle that locks the grip so the surgeon can release the instrument and move on. In practice the choice between patterns comes down to two questions — how large is the vessel, and does the surrounding tissue need to survive intact. NJ Medical Instruments manufactures the full range in surgical-grade stainless steel, in straight and curved jaws and in sizes from fine mosquito upward, supplied worldwide direct from the factory. For a complete pattern-by-pattern comparison, see our
artery forceps buying guide.
Straight or curved?
Curved forceps are the more common choice in an open field: the curve lets the surgeon see past the jaws to the tip and place them around a vessel that sits at an angle to the approach.
Straight forceps give a more direct line of force and are convenient for superficial vessels and for clamping the ends of a ligature. Most trays carry both, in more than one size.
How the ratchet is used
The ratchet has several teeth, and the number engaged sets the closing pressure. Engaging the first tooth applies light pressure suitable for a small vessel in delicate tissue; running the ratchet fully closed applies maximum grip for a tough pedicle. Over-clamping a fine vessel crushes tissue unnecessarily, which is why the graded ratchet exists rather than a single locked position.
Choosing by vessel size
Explore related instruments
All manufactured in surgical-grade stainless steel to international standards, reusable and autoclavable, with worldwide shipping.
Bulk, wholesale & OEM supply
As a direct manufacturer, NJ Medical Instruments supplies artery forceps in bulk and wholesale quantities to hospitals, surgical centres, and distributors, and produces OEM / private-label instruments to custom specifications and laser marking. Contact us by email at info@njmedicalinstruments.com or by WhatsApp for volume pricing — no minimum-order barriers, no middlemen.
Frequently asked questions
What are artery forceps used for?
Artery forceps are applied directly to a bleeding vessel to close it until it can be tied off or coagulated. A ratchet locks the jaws shut so the surgeon can release the instrument while the vessel stays clamped.
Should artery forceps be straight or curved?
Curved forceps are more common in open surgery because the surgeon can see past the jaws to the tip and place them around a vessel lying at an angle. Straight forceps give a more direct line of force and suit superficial vessels and holding ligature ends.
Why do artery forceps have a ratchet?
The ratchet locks the jaws closed under constant pressure so the surgeon does not have to maintain grip. Because it has several teeth, the closing pressure can be graded — light for a small vessel, full for a tough pedicle.
What is the difference between artery forceps and haemostats?
They are the same instrument. Haemostat, haemostatic forceps, and artery forceps all describe a ratcheted clamp used to stop bleeding by occluding a vessel.
What size artery forceps should I use?
Match the size to the vessel and the depth. Mosquito forceps of 10 to 12 cm suit small superficial vessels, 16 to 18 cm patterns reach deeper vessels in body cavities, and 20 cm and above are used for large vessels and pedicles.
Do you supply artery forceps in bulk or for OEM / private label?
Yes. As a direct manufacturer we supply artery forceps in bulk and wholesale quantities and offer OEM / private-label production to custom specifications. Contact us by email or WhatsApp for volume pricing.