Scalpel

A scalpel ( Scalpellum of latin, lancet of the doctors ', diminutive of scalprum, Carving ', ' chisel ') is a surgical instrument for sharp cutting of tissues. While earlier in the surgery, the instruments were reused after cleaning and sterilization, found today mainly disposable instruments application. In this case, when only the scalpel blade is renewed and reused the handle.

Even during an operation several changes of the blades are occasionally necessary as they become dull after just a few cuts and further use rather hurt the fabric instead of cutting smoothly.

There are blades in different shape, size and material, depending on which tissue is to be operated or where. The material used stainless steel, flint and obsidian.

Blades for # 3 or # 7 handles

• No. 10: Use for cuts through the skin and muscles. The blade 10 is curved along the cutting edge and along the back.
• No. 10a: Similar to the 11- blade, but not so pointed.
• No. 11: A long triangular blade for difficult cuts. It has a sharp point and is sharpened along the longest side.
• No. 12a: A small, pointed, sickle- shaped blade, sharpened on the inner edge.
• No. 12b: A small, pointed, sickle- shaped blade, sharpened on both sides.
• No. 15: A small version of the # 10 blade. ( Image )
• No. 15c:

Blades for # 4 handles

A # 4 is slightly larger than the handle 3, a # handle and the blade can also be larger.

• No. 18: Balanced, tapered, curved shape. More acute angle than 23er.
• No. 20, 21, 22: A larger version of the # 10 blade. The 22 gauge is greater than the 21s, which is greater than the 20.
• No. 23: Balanced, tapered, curved shape. Stumpferer angle as a 18er.
• No. 24:
• No. 25:
• No. 60:

Use

Today, the scalpel is used mainly for incision surgery. Subsequently, especially with the electrocautery ( advantages by simultaneous hemostasis ) and blunt dissection instruments ( scissors, tweezers, etc.) will continue to work. Used Disposable scalpels carry a potential risk of infection due to the possibility of injury with and are therefore to be disposed of properly after use in a Abwurfbox. Even with the blade change or remove - from the grip should work as safely as possible and the blade will not be touched with the fingers themselves. To safely change a needle holder is particularly suitable according to Hegar, with which you can safely grab the blade and minimizes the risk of injury and infection risk.

The scalpel is next to the tweezers the most important instrument in the preparation of corpses in the context of anatomical education in the first semesters of medical studies ( dissection ).

Because of similar works will scalpels and in the fitting-out of hunting and Trophäeen dermoplastics use. Strong blades and handles are sporadically during the hunt for the red labor used (advantage high blade sharpness, regrind as " disposable products " is not necessary).

Scalpels are often used for delicate hand cutting work, such as occur for example in the graph or the model used. Snap come frequently used, thereby replacing the entire blade can be prevented.

On the history of the scalpel

The scalpel was already in the early cultures as a special instrument. It was first used as a small knife in the shape of a molded to flint for everyday use. In Greek Neolithic Age (Neolithic ) the use of advanced already on surgical purposes (eg for Schädeltrepanation - drilling a hole in the skull ). Thus, the stone knives were also later in the ritual circumcision of the Egyptians and Israelites in use. Already in the Code of Hammurabi such a stone knife is mentioned. This specifications are discovered that were created by Hammurabi, according to which the compensation was a doctor by how skillfully he could apply the scalpel. Likewise, the punishment of the doctor is in it set at appropriate malpractice with the scalpel. In Roman times were still occasionally used bronze scalpels, generally, however, the steel knives had prevailed. With the instrument include the following procedures were performed: removal of foreign bodies in the skin and deeper, opening of abscesses, bleeding, bladder lithotomy. Since the various tasks required a corresponding adjustment of the scalpel, this instrument eventually developed then as shown above to the medical instrument.