In a thoracotomy for a lung wedge resection, which instrument is used to grasp the lung tissue?

In a thoracotomy for lung wedge resection, Duval forceps are the appropriate instrument to grasp lung tissue due to their design, which is specifically tailored for handling delicate and friable tissues. Duval forceps typically have an angled, serrated jaw that provides a secure grip without excessive trauma to the lung tissue, making them ideal for use in pulmonary surgeries where preserving the integrity of the lung is essential.

In contrast, while Debakey forceps are designed for gentle handling of tissue, they are often better suited for vascular tissues rather than lung tissue. The Allis clamp is primarily used for grasping dense tissue and may cause more damage, making it less than ideal for lung tissue manipulation. Finally, a Fogarty catheter is used for occluding blood vessels or for removing thrombi, not for grasping tissue, so it does not fit the requirement of the procedure in question. Thus, Duval forceps stand out as the most appropriate instrument for this specific surgical context.