The Bulldog Artery Forceps (also called a Bulldog Clamp) is a small, spring-loaded vascular clamp used to temporarily occlude (block) blood vessels during surgical procedures. It is especially valuable for controlling bleeding without permanently damaging the vessel.  

Parameter                                                         Typical Details

Material                                                           Surgical-grade stainless steel (SS 304 or 316)

Length                                                             35 mm – 90 mm (varies by type & usage) Jaw

Type                                                                 Straight or curved Tip Features Serrated or smooth (atraumatic)Clamp Force 50–250 grams of pressure (delicate occlusion)

Mechanism                                                    Spring-loaded or manually applied Weight Lightweight (15g – 50g)

Sterilization                                                  Fully autoclavable

•     Straight Bulldog Clamp – For general vessel clamping

•    Curved Bulldog Clamp – For deeper or angled access

•    Cooley Bulldog Clamp – Atraumatic, delicate clamping for vascular surgery

•    DeBakey Bulldog Clamp – Fine jaw serrations for major vessel control

•    Mini Bulldog Clamp – Small vessels, microsurgery

•    Premium surgical stainless steel (non-rusting, autoclavable)

•   Some models may have titanium bodies (lightweight, non-magnetic)

•    Jaw inserts may be silicone-coated or plastic-tipped for atraumatic grind

•    Reusable, single-piece spring clamp

•    Available in sterile (disposable) or sterilizable versions

•    Some available with colour coding or force measurement features

•   Cardiovascular surgery (e.g., bypass grafting, valve replacement)

•   General surgery to control temporary bleeding

•   Kidney or liver procedures involving vascular dissection

•   Temporary occlusion of arteries during spaying/neutering

•   Use in vascular surgeries or wound management in animals

•   Ideal for small animals and delicate vessels (e.g., dogs, cats, rabbits)

•   Provides gentle yet secure occlusion of blood vessels

•   Minimizes vessel trauma and reduces post-op complications

•   Lightweight and easy to apply • Reusable and long-lasting

•   Precise control in vascular fields

•   Limited to temporary occlusion only

•   Not suitable for large or high-pressure vessels

•   Requires skilled placement to avoid vessel slippage or trauma

•   Small size—easy to misplace during surgery if not tracked

•     Ensure sterilization before and after each use

•    Avoid over-clamping; can cause vessel wall damage

  •   Choose appropriate jaw type based on vessel size and depth

•   Check spring tension regularly for consistent pressure

•   Store properly to avoid damage to spring mechanism or tips

• Autoclave at 121°C for 15–20 minutes

• Avoid chemical sterilant that may degrade plastic tips (if applicable)

• Allow full drying post-autoclave to prevent corrosion

• Clean immediately after use (remove blood/tissue)

• Inspect spring action and jaw alignment regularly

• Replace or service if spring loses tension or tips are damaged

• Store in dedicated surgical trays or pouches

Code Type                                                                     Code                                                                                          Description

HS Code                                                                    9018.90                                                                                  Surgical and veterinary instruments (other)

HSN Code (India)                                                    90189099                                                                              Miscellaneous surgical instruments including bulldog clamps

Q1: What is a bulldog clamp used for?

It is used to temporarily block blood flow in a vessel during surgery.

Q2: Is it reusable?

Yes, surgical-grade bulldog clamps are sterilizable and reusable.

Q3: What is the difference between a bulldog clamp and artery forceps?

Bulldog clamps use spring tension and are non-locking; artery forceps (like mosquito forceps) have locking ratchets.

Q4: Can it be used in veterinary procedures?

Absolutely, especially in delicate procedures like vessel isolation during spays or tumour removals.

Q5: Is it atraumatic?

Many bulldog clamps are designed to be atraumatic, especially those with smooth or coated jaws.