What clamp is typically used to grasp a pulmonary segment during thoracotomy?

The Duval clamp is specifically designed for grasping tissues such as lung segments during thoracotomy procedures. Its design features serrated jaws that provide a secure grip on the delicate pulmonary tissue, making it ideal for handling segments of the lung without causing significant damage. This clamping mechanism allows the surgeon to manipulate and stabilize the pulmonary segment effectively while performing other surgical maneuvers, such as resection or lobectomy.

In contrast, other clamps have their specific uses that do not align as closely with the needs during pulmonary surgeries. The Kocher clamp is primarily used for grasping more robust tissues and providing hemostasis but may not be as gentle when handling delicate lung tissue. The Pean clamp is designed for clamping larger blood vessels or tissue bundles, also not suitable for the finer control needed with pulmonary segments. The Mixter clamp, with its angled jaws, is typically used for grasping and dissecting vessels and tissues in areas that require a reach, rather than secure grasping of lung segments. Thus, the Duval clamp stands out as the most appropriate choice for thoracotomy when handling pulmonary segments.