A
hemostat (also called a
hemostatic clamp,
arterial forceps, or
pean after
Jules-Émile Péan) is a
surgical tool used in many surgical procedures to control bleeding. For this reason it's common in the initial phases of surgery for initial incision to be lined with hemostats which close blood vessels awaiting
ligation. Hemostats belong to a group of instruments that
pivot (similar to scissors, and including needle holders, tissue holders and various clamps) where the structure of the tip determines the function.