a method of arresting blood vessels in soft tissue at a predetermined location relative to an excision location where a part of the soft tissue is to be removed , is described . the method comprises securing at least one clip to a retention means of at least one of a pair of fingers of forceps . the fingers of the forceps are then positioned on a respective side of the tissue at the predetermined location . the fingers are displaced towards one another to cause the at least one clip to penetrate the soft tissue and form a clamp whereby to clamp the blood vessels at the predetermined location . thereafter an excision is made to remove the portion of the soft tissue and the fingers of the forceps are withdrawn with the clamp retained engaged by the clip . the clip , device and method achieve a substantially bloodless and painless surgical procedure . the clip is constructed from bioabsorbable polymeric material and may be impregnated with an analgesic , anesthetic , an antibiotic or an anti - inflammatory substance .