What is Endoscopic Haemoclip Application?
Endoscopic haemoclip application is a minimally invasive procedure used to stop bleeding inside the digestive tract.
A haemoclip is a tiny metal clip, similar to a miniature staple, that is passed through an endoscope and deployed to seal a bleeding blood vessel or close a tear in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or intestines.
The clip works like a mechanical stitch, pinching the tissue together to stop bleeding immediately. The procedure adds only a few minutes to your routine endoscopy and is completely painless.
Precise mechanical control for bleeding and selected defects
Haemoclip application can be used in several endoscopic situations where a bleeding vessel, tear, or treatment site requires immediate mechanical closure.
Stomach or Duodenal Ulcers
To stop active bleeding from stomach or duodenal ulcers by mechanically closing the bleeding site.
Angiodysplasia
To treat bleeding from abnormal, fragile blood vessels within the digestive tract.
Tears or Perforations
To close selected small tears or perforations in the lining of the digestive tract.
After Polypectomy
To prevent or control bleeding after the removal of a polyp during an endoscopic procedure.
Tumours & Procedural Sites
To manage selected bleeding from tumours or sites that begin bleeding following an endoscopic procedure.
Mallory-Weiss Tears
To treat bleeding tears at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, often caused by severe vomiting.
What happens during the procedure?
Haemoclip application is usually performed as part of your endoscopy. The doctor identifies the exact target and places the clip precisely over the bleeding vessel or tear.
Sedation & Endoscopy
You are already sedated for your endoscopy, so you will be relaxed and comfortable.
Identifying the Bleeding Site
The doctor identifies the bleeding site or tear using the endoscope’s camera.
Passing the Clip Catheter
A specialised catheter with a pre-loaded clip is passed through the working channel of the endoscope.
Precise Clip Placement
The clip is positioned over the bleeding vessel or tear and deployed, snapping shut to seal the area.
Additional Clips if Required
Multiple clips may be used depending on the size and nature of the bleeding site.
You will feel absolutely nothing during clip placement
The procedure is performed during your endoscopy while you are sedated. Clip placement itself is painless, allowing the doctor to treat the bleeding or selected defect without an incision.
What should you expect afterwards?
After treatment, you will spend some time in recovery while the sedation wears off. Your doctor will provide instructions based on the cause of bleeding and the treatment performed.
Recovery from Sedation
You will wake up in recovery feeling normal, although you may be a little groggy from sedation.
Eating & Drinking
You may resume eating and drinking once you are fully awake and your clinical team confirms it is appropriate.
The Clip Passes Naturally
The clip remains in place and usually falls off naturally within days to weeks, passing harmlessly through the digestive tract.
Medication & Stool Changes
If a bleeding ulcer was treated, acid-reducing medication may be prescribed. Temporary dark stool may occur while old blood passes through.
Important precautions before and after treatment
Inform your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped beforehand. Follow fasting instructions carefully before the procedure. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe abdominal pain, vomit blood, or pass large amounts of blood in your stool after treatment. Avoid heavy exercise or straining for a few days after the procedure.
A quick, minimally invasive method to control gastrointestinal bleeding
Endoscopic haemoclip application is a safe, quick, and highly effective method to stop bleeding without the need for surgery. The clips are small and generally pass naturally from the body. The procedure adds only minutes to your endoscopy, is painless under sedation, and can be life-saving in cases of severe bleeding. If your doctor has recommended this procedure, it is a proven, minimally invasive option to treat your condition and protect your health.