Surgical Blades

Surgical blades, commonly referred to as scalpels, are essential tools used to cut through skin and tissue during various surgical procedures. These blades come in a range of sizes and shapes, each tailored to specific surgical tasks. The designation of a blade is typically indicated by a number, which corresponds to its unique design and intended use. Most surgical blades are crafted from stainless steel or carbon steel for durability and precision.

The diversity in surgical blades allows surgeons and medical personnel to select the most appropriate tool for their procedures. Typically, surgical blades are sold separately from their handles, with options that include both disposable scalpels and reusable blades. Disposable scalpels are designed for single use and often feature a plastic handle attached to the surgical blade. Safety scalpels come equipped with a protective cover that shields the blade until it is ready to be used, significantly reducing the risk of accidental cuts.

Here are some commonly used surgical blades:

• Number 10 Blade: Known for its large, curved cutting edge, it is often used for making significant incisions in soft tissue.

• Number 11 Blade: This elongated, triangular blade has a pointed tip, making it suitable for precise stab incisions and detailed cuts in confined spaces.

• Number 12 Blade: Featuring a small crescent shape, this blade is primarily utilized for suture cutting.

• Number 15 Blade: With a small, curved edge, it excels at making short, accurate incisions.

• Number 22 Blade: A larger variant of the number 10 blade, it is designed for creating deep incisions in thick skin.

Key components of a surgical blade include the edge, spine, and slot. The edge serves as the sharp cutting surface, while the spine is the rigid, unsharpened side. Most commonly, the non-attached, replaceable blade design features a key-like slot at its base, allowing for secure attachment to the scalpel handle. The handle can be easily armed or disarmed by sliding the end in or out of the slot, ensuring efficiency and safety during surgical procedures.