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Backhaus Towel Clip

The Backhaus is a sharp, penetrating towel clamp with curved points and a locking handle. It can hold draping material or selected tissue, but the points create punctures. Its presence on a tray does not mean every drape should be fixed through the patient's skin.[1][2]

Choose the Fixation for the Drape​

InstrumentRelevant distinction
BackhausPenetrating points; inspect the actual model's tip alignment and locking mechanism.
JonesAlso penetrating. The cross-action spring handle does not make its pointed tips nonperforating.[3]
Lorna / EdnaNonperforating towel-clamp pattern; the Lorna model is described with blunt jaws. Avoid assuming that any clamp preserves an airtight seal or cannot damage a drape.[4]

Use nonperforating fixation or the drape's intended adhesive/securement system when appropriate. AST's published draping standard favors nonperforating clips and an intact barrier. Select the number and position of fixation points for the actual drape, exposure and movement expected; there is no universal four-to-six-clip requirement.[2]

Application and Removal​

  • Establish the planned field before securing the drape. Avoid puncturing fluid barriers, irrigation tubing, electrical insulation or underlying structures. Route tubing and cables through intended holders with enough slack for positioning changes.
  • If penetrating fixation is deliberately selected, control both points and limit the tissue bite to the intended target. A drape-fixation clip is not a general-purpose clamp for a nerve, vessel or reconstructed urethra.
  • Handle and pass it as a sharp. Release the lock before removal, support the material or skin, and inspect for bleeding or tearing. Account for all clips during counts and drape removal.
  • Do not simply reapply a clip whose tips have contacted a nonsterile surface. Remove contaminated items from the sterile field and address affected gloves/materials according to the breach.[5]

If a drape is punctured, torn or suspected to be contaminated, restore the barrier. AORN describes covering the affected area with a new sterile drape; unnecessary removal may spread contamination. A towel or dressing alone is not an equivalent replacement barrier.[6]

Inspection and Reprocessing​

Check points, alignment, hinges and lock before use. Follow the specific reusable instrument's cleaning and sterilization instructions; inspect the packaging and supplied sterility status. Disposable and reusable versions should not be treated interchangeably. Small puncture wounds and reported metal sensitivity require clinical assessment rather than a promise of complication-free healing.

See also: Allis and Kocher.

References​

1. World Precision Instruments. Backhaus Towel Clamp: curved, locking handle; model specifications. Accessed September 12, 2026.

2. Association of Surgical Technologists. AST Standards of Practice for Surgical Drapes. Effective April 13, 2008; published online standard accessed September 12, 2026.

3. Sklar. Jones Towel Clamp, 47-2930. Manufacturer description and specifications. Accessed September 12, 2026.

4. B. Braun / Aesculap. Lorna towel clamp BF463R: nonperforating, blunt. Accessed September 12, 2026.

5. AORN Staff. 4 Common Sterile Technique Questions Answered. August 20, 2025.

6. AORN Staff. 4 Common Sterile Technique Questions Answered. July 27, 2022.