SECUROS UNIVERSITY:
CRIMPING 101
The SECUROS Crimping Device is designed to be error proof, as long as it is used properly. Illustrated below are the possible crimping patterns. There is only one correct way to crimp the crimp clamp, which is indicated in figure 1. The other figures show wrong crimp patterns.
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Figure 1: This figure illustrates the correct pattern for crimping the crimp clamp. Notice that the crimp marks are in from the edges of the clamp (at least 1mm), they have a uniform shape accoss the short axis of the clamp, they are evenly spaced apart from one another and there are THREE crimp marks.
Figure 2: This figure illustrates an incorrect pattern for crimping the crimp clamp. Notice the two crimp marks at the ends of the clamp are right on the edges. This rolls the edges of the tube into the suture and would cause the suture to break at a significantly less load. If this happens cut the suture and start over.
Figure 3: This figure illustrates another incorrect pattern for crimping the crimp clamp. Notice the center crimp and how it pierced the clamp. This occures when the tips of the jaws are used when crimping. This would cut the suture inside of the clamp and cause the suture to break. To avoid this make sure the crimping device fully encloses the clamp.
Figure 4: This figure illustrates another incorrect pattern for crimping the crimp clamp. This is probably the most common mistake. When crimping the clamp it is extremely important to crimp the clamp in the right direction. Because of the clamps "oval" cross section the strands of suture will lie side-by-side one another inside the clamp. Be sure to crimp the clamp, down on the suture strands, as they lie side-by-side, not one on top of the other. If the clamp is crimped with the suture one on top of the other the suture will be cut. This will be occur immediately.