Welcome to the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy podcast, where we unravel the latest updates and technological advances in the field of gastroenterology and endoscopy. I'm your host, and today we are delving into a transformative tool that has revolutionized endoscopic procedures hemoclips, or, as they are also known through the scope clips. This episode is tailored to not just educate you about these clips, but to help master their use to improve patient outcomes. So let's dive right in. Hemoclips, initially crafted for hemostasis, have turned out to be multifaceted instruments, broadening their utility in the endoscopic realm. Now often referred to simply as clips, these tools have seen their application extend beyond hemostasis, now being employed for purposes such as closing perforations, post-resection defects, marking and attaching devices like stents and feeding tubes. Let's take a gastric, esophageal or colon perforation procedure as an instance. Clips can effectively seal the defect, averting further complications. The varied clinical applications of clips are truly a testament to medical innovation. Now, to harness the full potential of these clips, it's vital to grasp their anatomy and the mechanisms governing their deployment. The basic structure of a clip comprises a stem with two arms that have distal teeth. The design might vary. For instance, the arm's shape and number could differ, and so can the length of the stem which holds the arms. This length variation affects their use in narrow areas like small bowel strictures or esophageal stenosis. For example, a longer stem in a small bowel stricture could exacerbate the condition by rubbing against the mucosa on the opposite side. It's imperative that we understand the anatomy to ensure the appropriate selection and use of these clips.

Moving on to the advancement and application of these through-the-scope clips, precision and care are your allies. When initially advancing the clip into the working channel of the scope, it's crucial to hold close to the tip to prevent bending the arm. Once the clip has navigated through the working channel and reaches the tip of the scope, it should be gently pushed out, opened and pulled back towards the scope. For example, when addressing a bleeding lesion, the clip should be open and advanced towards the lesion by moving the endoscope. And at that pivotal moment, when the clip is near the target vessel or defect to be closed, it should be pushed out with the hand, then closed and released by the assistant.

This meticulous handling and application of clips can significantly bolster patient outcomes. The art of mastering the use of clips lies in the thorough understanding of their anatomy, their mechanics, the knack of deploying them accurately and applying them with precision. It's a journey of practice and learning that unveils the full potential of these versatile tools, thereby elevating patient care to new heights. Thank you for tuning in to the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy podcast. I hope this episode has provided valuable insights into mastering the use of hemoclips. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on the latest in gastroenterology and endoscopy. Until next time, take care and keep exploring the healing potential of endoscopy.