What is a Purple Hemoclip?

The hemoclip is a quick and effective implant used with a compatible applier during surgery to control bleeding and securely close blood vessels. Also known as a Hem-o-lok clip, it provides a reliable solution for vessel ligation. These clips come in four different sizes, but in this article, we’ll focus on the large size, commonly recognized as the purple hemoclip.

What Is a Hemoclip?

A hemoclip is a surgical device used to close blood vessels and control bleeding during surgery. These clips are typically made from durable metals or high-strength polymers and are applied to the target vessel using a specialized instrument called an applier.

Once positioned, the clip locks firmly onto the vessel to prevent bleeding or re-opening of the vessel. The inner surface of the clip usually contains fine grooves or teeth that enhance its grip on the vessel wall. This structure, along with the clip’s locking mechanism, ensures that it remains securely in place after application.

Hemoclips are widely used in various surgical procedures, especially in minimally invasive surgeries such as laparoscopy. They are available in different sizes and colors to meet specific surgical requirements.

What Materials Are Hemoclips Made Of?

Hemoclips are typically produced from stainless steel, titanium, or high-quality polymer materials, depending on their intended surgical use. Each material offers specific advantages in terms of strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility.

Among these, polymer hemoclips are widely used due to their superior safety and compatibility. Made from high-quality, non-conductive, and biocompatible polymers, they provide reliable vessel ligation without causing tissue irritation or interference with diagnostic imaging techniques such as CT or MRI scans.

Depending on surgical needs, polymer hemoclips are available in both absorbable and non-absorbable forms. It allows surgeons to select the most appropriate option for each clinical application.

Key Features and Advantages

The polymer hemoclip is designed to provide surgeons with a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive way to control bleeding during surgery. Below are some of its most important features and benefits:

• Easy and precise application: Different sizes of appliers are available to ensure accurate placement of the clip. It gives the surgeon full control and confidence during use.
• Secure locking feedback: The applier provides both audible and tactile feedback, which confirms that the clip is properly locked and secured.
• Reliable vessel closure: When properly applied, the hemoclip provides a firm and reliable vessel closue.
• Minimally invasive technique: This technique minimizes tissue trauma and is suitable for both open and laparoscopic surgeries.
• Reduced surgical complications: Using hemoclips helps minimize bleeding, lowers the risk of postoperative complications, and contributes to safer surgical outcomes.
• Tissue-friendly alternative: Unlike thermal methods such as electrocautery or laser, which may lead to tissue damage or necrosis, mechanical vessel control with hemoclips is a safer and gentler option.

Types of Hemoclips

Hemoclips are available in four different sizes, each designed to suit specific surgical needs and vessel diameters. The image below shows these size variations.

The appropriate color and size of a hemoclip depend on the type of surgery and the size of the vessel being treated. For instance, purple hemoclips are commonly used for vessels ranging from 5 to 13 mm in diameter and are suitable for both open and laparoscopic surgeries. Because of their versatility and reliable performance, purple hemoclips are among the most widely used types in surgical practice.

To better understand the different types of hemoclips and their compatible appliers, you can watch the following video:

Asia Jarah Pishro Purple Hemoclips

Asia Jarah Pishro provides purple polymer hemoclips (code 15303) designed for effective hemostasis and vascular bleeding control during laparoscopic surgeries. These clips combine precision, safety, and ease of use, making them a reliable choice for surgeons who need consistent performance in delicate procedures.

Key benefits of AJP Hemoclips

Below are the key features that make AJP hemoclips a trusted choice for surgeons:

• Easy to use: Designed for quick and smooth application during surgery.
• High-quality material: Made from medical-grade polymer, ensuring durability, safety, and biocompatibility.
• Imaging compatibility: The clips do not interfere with MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging systems.
• 360° rotatable applier: Provides full control and precision, allowing surgeons to position the clip accurately from any angle.
• Strong and secure grip: Grooves and ridges along the clip’s body ensure a firm connection to the tissue.
• Removable if needed: The clip can be safely removed when necessary without damaging surrounding tissue.
• Safe for short- and long-term use: The material is non-reactive and does not cause tissue damage, sensitivity, or immune response.
• Sterile and safe: Each clip is sterilized with ethylene oxide gas to ensure complete safety and prevent any risk of infection.

Applications of Hem-o-lok clips

As mentioned earlier, Hem-o-lok clips provide a safe and effective way to control bleeding in both open and laparoscopic surgeries. They are widely used across various surgical specialties to ensure secure vessel closure and minimize blood loss.

Common applications include:

• Gastrointestinal surgeries (stomach, duodenum, esophagus, rectum, etc.)
• Hepatic and splenic surgeries (liver and spleen)
• Gynecologic surgeries (uterus and related structures)
• Urologic surgeries (kidney and urinary tract)
• Thoracic surgeries (chest and lung)
• Varicose vein and tumor removal procedures

How to Use Hem-o-lok Clips

After identifying the bleeding vessel, remove a hemoclip from its sterile package and load it onto the appropriate applier. Using the applier, position the clip carefully around the vessel in the desired direction, then close the clip to securely seal the vessel. For complete blockage of blood flow in both directions, it is recommended to apply clips on both sides of the vessel.

To watch the proper technique and application process, see the instructional video below.

Why Do Surgeons Use Hemoclips?

Using hemoclips to block blood vessels offers several clear advantages compared to traditional or energy-based coagulation methods. These benefits include:

• Simple and easy to use
• Cost-effective
• Repeatable and consistent
• Minimal tissue damage
• Few side effects
• Time-saving
• No heat transmission (Unlike energy-based methods)
• Imaging compatible

Disadvantages and Risks

While hemoclips are widely recognized as a safe and reliable tool for bleeding control, their effectiveness can be influenced by several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, location of the lesion, and the surgeon’s experience.

Therefore, a few potential challenges should be considered when using them, including:

• Placement difficulty: Proper application requires familiarity with the instrument and correct technique. With adequate training and experience, surgeons and assistants can minimize the risk of vessel injury or accidental clip dislodgement.
• Clip breakage: Although rare, clips may break if made from low-quality materials or applied incorrectly. Using standardized, high-quality polymers and optimized designs significantly reduces this risk.
• Size selection: Choosing the right clip size for the specific vessel is crucial to ensure secure closure and prevent complications.

Overall, these risks are minimal when standard materials and proper surgical techniques are used by trained professionals.

Durability of Hem-o-lok Clips in the Body

The longevity of hemoclips inside the body depends on the type of material used. If the clip is absorbable, it gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body within a few months.
In contrast, non-absorbable hemoclips remain in place permanently and ensure long-term vessel closure without causing irritation or adverse tissue reactions.

Both types are considered safe and biocompatible when properly selected for the surgical procedure.

Warning

• Keep in a dry place.
• For single use only.
• Discard any remaining clips after the procedure.
• Do not use if the package is opened or damaged.