Maintenance of ligature tension by a single operator with simultaneous removal of a hemostatic clamp

Two new techniques that enable a single operator to maintain ligature tension while removing a hemostatic clamp are described. With the first technique a needle holder is used to grasp one tail of the ligature and maintain tension while the hemostatic clamp is removed with the opposite hand. The second technique loops one end of the ligature over the flexed index finger while fixing both tails with the remaining fingers. By extending the finger, tension is maintained.