Use of a new aneurysm clip with an inverted-spring mechanism to facilitate visual control during clip application. Technical note.

When operating on deep-seated cerebral aneurysms, the surgeon's visual control of clip application may be impaired by the clip holder unless adjacent structures are retracted. To improve visual control and reduce the necessity for retraction, the senior author (A.P.) developed a new concept: an aneurysm clip with an inverted-spring mechanism. The clip has two jaws that point away from the clip blades. The jaws of the clip holder articulate with the inner side of the clip jaws. By distending the jaws of the clip holder the blades of the clip are opened and vice versa. Thus the visual field increases while the clip application is proceeding. This instrumentation is useful, especially in cases of deep-seated aneurysms arising from the posterior circulation and in multiple aneurysms. In these latter cases even lesions located contralaterally could be reached with good visual control.