Hemostats are ring-handled clamps with a ratchet, used mainly to clamp blood vessels and hold tissue. Three patterns appear on almost every surgical tray: Kelly, Crile and Halsted mosquito. They look similar, which makes mix-ups common when sets are packed or ordered. This guide shows how to tell them apart.
In short
Mosquitoes are the small ones for fine vessels. Kelly and Crile are medium-sized; the Kelly’s serrations cover only the front half of the jaw, while the Crile’s run the full length.
The three patterns side by side#
| Pattern | Typical length | Jaw serrations | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halsted mosquito | About 12.5 cm | Fine, full length | Small vessels, fine tissue, holding sutures |
| Kelly | About 14 cm | Front half of the jaw | Medium vessels, general clamping |
| Crile | About 14 cm | Full length of the jaw | Medium vessels, general clamping |
Lengths vary between catalogues, and all three are made in longer versions, so always confirm the length as well as the pattern.
The quick test: look at the jaw#
To tell a Kelly from a Crile, open the jaws and look at the serrations. If they stop about halfway towards the box lock, it is a Kelly. If they continue all the way back, it is a Crile. A mosquito is easy to spot by its smaller size and finer, more delicate jaws.
Straight or curved hemostats#
All three patterns come straight or curved. Curved jaws let the user see the tip and follow tissue planes, and are the more common choice for clamping vessels. Straight versions are often used for holding sutures or drapes. Many trays include both.
Larger hemostats#
For larger vessels and tissue bundles, longer and heavier patterns such as the Rochester-Pean (full serrations) and the Kocher or Ochsner (with 1×2 teeth at the tip) are used.
Quality checklist
- The jaws close evenly from tip to box lock, and the serrations mesh.
- The ratchet holds firmly on each tooth and releases smoothly.
- The box lock moves smoothly with no side play.
- Tips meet exactly; curved jaws curve evenly.
Frequently asked questions#
Are mosquito forceps the same as hemostats?#
Yes. Halsted mosquito forceps are the smallest of the common hemostats.
Why are some hemostats stored on the first ratchet tooth?#
Keeping hemostats closed tightly for long periods strains the box lock and the ratchet. Storing and sterilizing them open or on the first tooth helps them last.
How many hemostats does a basic set need?#
It depends on the procedures, but minor sets often include two to four mosquitoes, while general sets add several Kelly or Crile clamps.
Order hemostats from Gami Surgical#
Gami Surgical manufactures mosquito, Kelly, Crile and other hemostats, straight and curved, in Sialkot, Pakistan, and delivers worldwide. Send us your list for a quote.
