A new bronchus clamp.

Bronchus clamps for use in lung resection have never been entirely satisfactory. The very large number of models available make this plain. When lung resection presents no problems almost any model of bronchus clamp is suitable. In a technically difficult situation all have shortcomings. The basic requirements of a bronchus clamp are: 1. It must be easy to pass with the minimum of dissection of the bronchus, and therefore curved in a way that is least likely to traumatize the surrounding structures. 2. It must compress and grip only a very short length of the bronchus so as to facilitate lung resection when there is very little free bronchus proximal to the tumour. 3. It must be occlusive and be able to grip without slipping when heavy traction is applied to it.