Basic Instrument Use Course Notes: Scalpels
Basic Instrument Use Course Notes: Scalpels Introduction to Using a Scalpel The No.10 blade, with its large, curved cutting edge, is one of the more traditional blade shapes used in Scalpels are an important tool for performing surgical veterinary surgery. It is generally used for making large approaches and tissue dissections. However, if used incisions in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, as well as incorrectly, scalpels pose a danger to both the patient cutting other soft tissues. and the surgical team. It is very important to learn how to handle a scalpel correctly, whether using it, handing The No.11 blade is an elongated, triangular blade it to someone, or changing the blade. In this module sharpened along the hypotenuse edge. It has a strong, we will discuss how to safely arm, disarm, and pass a pointed tip, making it ideal for stab incisions and scalpel, as well as how to grip a scalpel and the methods precise, short cuts in shallow, recessed areas. It is used of cutting with a scalpel blade. We will also examine in various procedures, such as the creation of incisions the types of scalpel blades and handles that are for chest tubes and drains, opening major blood vessels commonly used in veterinary practice and their surgical for catheter insertion (cut-downs), removing the mop applications. ends of torn cruciate ligaments, and for meniscectomy. Anatomy of a Scalpel Blade The No.12 blade is a small, pointed, crescent-shaped Edge blade sharpened along the inside edge of the curve. It is The edge of the scalpel blade is the sharp cutting sometimes utilized as a suture cutter.
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