Biocompatibility analysis of the Sundt-Kees booster clip and the Drake aneurysm clip. Technical note

A combination of the Sundt-Kees reinforcing aneurysm clip applied to a Drake aneurysm clip in a piggyback fashion was studied for possible defects due to corrosion and or tissue toxicity. These two clips, which are made of similar metal (301 stainless steel), showed little or no defects when immersed in 5% saline or when implanted in rats for 6 months. This study demonstrates that clips made of similar metals can be used piggyback in patients without ill effects provided that they are carefully handled to avoid any abrasion or misbends which could conceivably lead to corrosion.