Celebrating the 50th
anniversary of the Sugita Clip
The Sugita Clip has played an important role in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms in Japan and around the world since 1976. This year, we are honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch. This 50-year journey is built upon the dedication of:
- Dr. Kenichiro Sugita, the visionary founder and developer
- The doctors who carry forward his legacy, and every surgeon relying on the Sugita Clip in their daily clinical practice today
- Healthcare professionals, placing their steadfast trust in us
- Our sales agents, serving as vital bridges to the medical community
- And our Mizuho employees, upholding a mission of excellence in technology and quality
The bonds we share with all of you are our pride and the driving force behind our future. With this gratitude in our hearts, we promise to continue contributing to healthcare worldwide.
Conversation to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Sugita Clip Launch
Dr. Nobuhito Saito
President of the Japan Neurosurgical Society
and professor of the University of Tokyo
Hiroshi Nemoto
Representative Director and President
& CEO of MIZUHO Corporation
The two participants reflected on the history and clinical value of the Sugita Clip and discussed its future prospects.
Launched in 1976, the Sugita Clip has supported neurosurgeons in brain aneurysm surgeries for half a century, and has been used in countless life-saving procedures.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary, a special conversation was held between Dr. Nobuhito Saito, Professor of the University of Tokyo (President of the Japan Neurosurgical Society) and Hiroshi Nemoto, Representative Director and President & CEO of MIZUHO Corporation. They reflected on the history and clinical value of the Sugita Clip and discussed its future prospects.
50th Anniversary Commemorative Message
Dr. Tetsuyoshi Horiuchi
Professor of the Shinshu University
The Essence and Legacy of the Sugita System
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Sugita Clip, we received a special message from Professor Tetsuyoshi Horiuchi of Shinshu University titled The Essence and Legacy of the Sugita System.
History of the Sugita Clip
In the 1970s, as open surgery for cerebral aneurysms became widespread worldwide, Dr. Kenichiro Sugita sought to pursue greater stability in grip strength, enhanced operability, and adaptability to a wide range of shapes. In 1973, he began developing clips for aneurysm clipping surgery in collaboration with our company (then Mizuho Ika Kogyo Co., Ltd., now MIZUHO Corporation).
1976: The Sugita Clip is launched. Its high quality quickly earns the trust of many surgeons and leads to widespread adoption throughout Japan. The original material was a cobalt-chromium alloy (Elgiloy).
1984: The product receives U.S. FDA approval and is marketed internationally as the Sugita Clip.
1998: The Sugita Titanium Clip, made of titanium alloy, is launched. The transition to titanium wins high acclaim in clinical settings for its MRI compatibility and improved biocompatibility, leading to widespread adoption. In the same year, the new titanium clip is granted European MDD certification and expands its presence into the European market.
2007: The Sugita Titanium Clip II is launched. This second-generation titanium clip features a thinner profile achieved through an improved spring structure, an expanded product lineup, and a more refined tapered blade design. These advancements result in a highly advanced and reliable aneurysm clip, further enhancing the original titanium model.
2024: The Sugita Titanium Clip II is granted European MDR certification.
As of 2026, Sugita Clip products are sold in approximately 70 countries worldwide, with cumulative shipments exceeding 3 million units.
Neurosurgery Equipment
You can find neurosurgical products such as the Sugita Clip titanium II, the dedicated operating table, head frame system, and surgical instruments for endoscopic surgery.