debakey forceps debakey forceps debakey forceps are a type of atraumatic tissue forceps used in vascular procedures to avoid tissue damage during manipulation. they are typically large (some examples are upwards of 12 inches (36 cm) long), and have a distinct coarsely ribbed grip panel, as opposed to the finer ribbing on most other tissue forceps. debakey forceps they were developed by michael debakey, along with other innovations during his tenure at baylor college of medicine.