What are scalpel handles?
Scalpel handles are design to hold scalpel blades firmly and securely throughout any surgical procedure. They have a key-slot type mechanism which safely and conveniently hold scalpel blades.
Scalpel handles come in different numbers, such as #3, #4. All these standard numbers are used with different types of blades. So, it is important to know which handle is used to hold which blade.
Reusable scalpel handles are made of medical grade stainless steel. Although scalpel blades are single use and must be disposed off after usage, reusable scalpel handles must be properly sterilised before putting them in use in surgical operations.
Scalpel blades also come in single use, which are mostly made of plastic or low quality stainless steel.
Uses of scalpel handles
Knife handles are used to hold various blades to create a scalpel. Scalpels are used to make skin incisions or whenever a fine precision cut is necessary.
Scalpel handles are used for tissue separation and in other surgical procedures that require sharp blade to cut. Scalpel blades are extremely sharp devices which can be safely used by scalpel handles.
Because the skin is not sterile, once the skin incision is made, the scalpel should be removed from the Mayo stand, isolated, and reused only to incise the skin.
What are reusable scalpel handles?
Reusable scalpel handles are manufactured as a single unit instruments. They are made of high quality medical grade stainless steel or titanium. They do not come with scalpel blades, rather, the blades are attached with them during surgical procedures, and after usage, the blades are removed and disposed off while scalpel handles are sterilised and them safely secured for the next surgical procedure.
Reusable scalpel handles can be autoclaved and sterilised.
Note: In surgical practices, scalpel blades are used only once.
I manufacture different types of scalpel handles. Most commonly used scalpel handles are #3 and #4. Bot of them have flat handle which is easy to grip. The #5 blade has a round grip. Both of these scalpel handles are also made in long size, e.g., #3L and #4L. The #7 handle is long, have a shape similar to writing pen.
Scalpel handles compatibility with blades
Scalpel handle #3 is used with blade sizes 10,11, 11P, 12, 12D,13,14, and 15. The popular sizes are #10 and #15.
Scalpel handle #4 is used with blade sizes 20,21,22,23,24 and 25.
How to attached scalpel blades to scalpel handles?
Scalpel blades are packed in sterilised aluminium packaging. Peel off the packaging and open the scalpel blade. Do not hold blade with bare hand, instead, hold the blade within the packet and then use artery forceps or dissecting forceps to hold it and put it out of the packaging.
Open the packet enough so that you can see the slot to attached the blade to the scalpel handle.
Now, position the blade and scalpel handle in a way that the diagonal lines on the handle and on the blade slot are parallel. Push the tip of the handle into the hole in the blade, then slide the handle forward to fit the blade in the groove.
Make sure that the blade is firmly attached to the handle. Avoid checking it with your finger or touching it, instead, use forceps or the blade packing to check it.
How to remove scalpel blades from scalpel handles?
Never retrieve the scalpel from the surgeon’s hand after use; allow the surgeon to place it in the “neutral zone.”
Never use fingers to load or unload a knife blade from the handle. Always use a needle holder.
Do not hold the blade with finger, do not rush removing it.
Lift up the blade, bending it slightly and then slide it forward and off the handle.
Always point the blade away from you and from others.
Dispose off the blade after removal, and do not put it in open place.
Types of Scalpel Handles
Standard scalpel handles come in different types, e.g., #3, #4, #3L, #4L, #5, #7, #7K etc.
Scalpel Handle #3
Used with the no. 10, 11, 12, and 15 blades to hold various blades to create a scalpel. Scalpels are used to make skin incisions or whenever a fine precision cut is necessary.
Scalpel Handle #3L Long
Used for precision cutting deep within a wound.
A no. 3 long knife handle holds blades no. 10, 11, 12, and 15.
Scalpel Handle #4
Used with the no. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 blades to create a larger and/or deeper incision in heavy tissue areas.
Scalpel Handle #4L Long
Scalpel Handle #7
Used when precision cutting is needed in a confined space or a deep wound.
A no. 7 knife handle holds blades no. 10, 11, 12, and 15.
Scalpel Beaver Handle
Round handle with a ball tip that screws into the handle to tighten the blade in place.
Used when precision cutting is needed in a confined space or when incising a small structure. The beaver knife is commonly used in ENT, ophthalmic, neurology, podiatry, and small orthopedic procedures.
The rounded tip has a slot that accepts the blade. As the tip is screwed into the handle, it tightens to hold the blade. There are a multitude of various blades available for specific purposes and procedures.
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