Remote-control vascular occluder: technical note

We have designed a new remote-control vascular occluder for the temporary control of arterial blood flow. It is a modification of the biopsy forceps used in stereotactic surgery. The arm of the occluder is flexible and can be set so that it does not disturb the surgeon's view. The occluder is positioned with the blades open on the vessel to be occluded. This device, which is held with a self-retaining retractor connected to the head frame, enables an immediate on-off remote control of arterial occlusion by closing and releasing the blades with a closing button and releasing lever, respectively. Partial closure of the blades is also feasible. The device can be set in a narrow operating field, when proximal control of a parent artery is necessary at its segment distant from the exposed operating field. It can be used in a variety of vascular cases, including giant aneurysms and large arteriovenous malformations.