Backhaus towel clips are used primarily for what purpose in surgery?

Backhaus towel clips are primarily used for anchoring drapes in the surgical field. These clips help secure sterile drapes to the patient, ensuring that the surgical site remains sterile and that the drapes do not move during the procedure. They are designed with sharp, pointed tips that can penetrate fabric easily, making them effective for holding drapes tightly in place without slipping.

By facilitating a secure draping of the surgical area, Backhaus towel clips help maintain aseptic conditions, which is crucial for preventing infections during surgery. Their role is critical in creating a clean environment, allowing the surgical team to focus on the procedure at hand without concern for drape movement or contamination.

The other options, while related to surgical procedures, serve different specific purposes. For example, holding muscle tissue, cutting suture material, and retracting the abdominal wall are functions typically associated with other instruments, such as forceps and scalpels, rather than towel clips.