Surgical Tech Practice Exam

Which instrument is used to clamp the lung?

1. Kocher clamp

2. Duval clamp

3. Hemostat

4. Bowel clamp

The correct answer is: Duval clamp

The Duval clamp is specifically designed to grasp lung tissue due to its unique characteristics. This clamp has serrated jaws that provide a secure grip on the delicate and spongy lung tissue, minimizing the risk of tissue damage during surgical procedures. It typically features a ratcheted handle, allowing for controlled clamping pressure, which is crucial when working with fragile organs like the lungs. In contrast, the Kocher clamp, while useful in grasping dense tissue, is not ideal for lung tissue due to its aggressive design that may cause damage. The hemostat, designed primarily for clamping blood vessels, is also not suited for the lung's texture and fragility. The bowel clamp, as its name suggests, is intended for clamping bowel tissue, making it inappropriate for pulmonary use. Thus, the Duval clamp is the optimal choice for clamping lung tissue during surgical procedures.