Kocher forceps are heavy haemostatic clamps with a transverse-serrated jaw and a single interlocking tooth pair at the tip, designed to grip dense tissue firmly. The pattern is also sold as Ochsner forceps when the jaws are longer. This guide explains the parts of Kocher haemostatic forceps, the straight and curved versions, and what a purchaser should check before ordering.
Kocher haemostatic forceps parts and design
Like other box-lock clamps, Kocher haemostatic forceps parts include two jaws, a box joint, shanks, a ratchet and two finger rings. The jaws are serrated across their width for grip, and the tip carries a 1x2 tooth arrangement: one tooth on one jaw engages a pair on the other, which prevents the tissue from sliding out.
The ratchet locks the clamp at a chosen force, so the instrument stays closed without the surgeon holding it. Because the teeth are traumatic, Kocher forceps are chosen where the tissue will be removed or is tough enough to tolerate the grip.
Kocher clamp uses in surgery
The most common Kocher clamp uses are holding fascia and aponeurosis during opening and closure, grasping dense or fibrous tissue, clamping vascular pedicles that will be ligated and resected, and applying traction on specimens. In many theatres they are also used to hold drapes or tubing in an emergency, although a dedicated towel clamp is preferable.
They are not appropriate for delicate bowel, vessels that must be preserved or fine tissue. For those tasks surgeons use atraumatic clamps; see our article on hemostatic forceps and their patterns for the differences between Kocher, Kelly, Crile and Mosquito designs.
Straight or curved, and which length
Straight Kocher forceps are easier to place on flat structures such as fascia, while curved versions follow the curve of a pedicle and keep the tips visible. Many departments stock both in at least two lengths, with longer instruments reserved for deeper cavities. The Ochsner variant, with its longer jaw, grips a larger pedicle.
REDA of Tuttlingen lists Kocher, Rochester-Pean and Rochester-Ochsner clamps in straight and curved versions and several lengths in its forceps and clamps range. Choose by the tissue and the depth, not by habit, and avoid ordering a single length for all cases.
- Straight for fascia and superficial structures
- Curved for pedicles and deeper work
- Standard length for general use
- Longer versions for the abdomen and pelvis
What to inspect on delivery and in service
On receipt, check that the jaw teeth interlock accurately, that the tips meet along the whole serration and that the ratchet closes and opens cleanly at each notch. Look for smooth finishing at the box joint, where debris and corrosion tend to start. The joint should move freely without play.
In service, open the box joint during cleaning, lubricate according to the instructions and sterilize by steam in line with ISO 17665 practice. Remove any instrument whose teeth are worn or whose tips no longer mesh, as slippage can injure tissue.
Specifying Kocher forceps for a UAE hospital
Include Kocher clamps in the general surgical sets, laparotomy trays and minor procedure packs, and decide quantities from the number of sets in circulation rather than a fixed ratio. Our guide to general surgery instrument sets helps decide how many are needed.
Beckfinity's specialists can prepare a quotation for Kocher forceps and related clamps from the REDA catalogue and advise on lengths for your set lists.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Kocher and Ochsner forceps?
Both have the 1x2 tooth tip and serrated jaws. The Ochsner pattern is the longer-jawed version, designed to hold larger pedicles.
What are Kocher forceps used for?
They hold fascia and tough tissue, clamp pedicles that will be ligated or removed, and provide traction on specimens.
Can Kocher forceps be used on vessels that stay in the patient?
No. The teeth are traumatic, so atraumatic vascular clamps are used for vessels and tissues that must be preserved.
Straight or curved Kocher forceps?
Straight is easier on flat tissue such as fascia. Curved follows the shape of a pedicle and keeps the tips in view.
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