Chapter 3: Table of contents
Scalpels:
Reusable handles with detachable single use blades are mostly used in veterinary medicine but disposable units are also available. #3 and #4 (far right) scalpel handles are used most frequently with #3 being used more often than #4. The #4 handle is larger than the #3 and has a larger fitment for large blades such as #20. The #7 handle (long and skinny) is used frequently for more delicate incisions. At our institution, we use a #3 scalpel with a #10 blade to make the initial skin incision and then use the #7 scalpel with a #15 blade (sometimes a #11) for all other scalpel incisions. This may vary with surgeon preference.
Beaver (Miniature Blade Handle):
Beaver scalpel handles are smaller than regular scalpel handles and will hold a variety of small blades. These are often used for ophthalmic surgery and in restricted spaces such as joints. The blades shown here are #64 (top) and #65 (bottom).
Blades:
Various blade shapes and sizes are available to perform specific procedures based on surgeon preference. Blades #10, 11, 12, 12B, 15 and 15C fit the #3 scalpel handle, whereas blades #20, 21, 22, 23 fit the #4 scalpel handle. Beaver scalpel handles will hold a variety of small blades of various shapes (e.g. #64 and 65) [see Beaver scalpel handle section]. From left to right, the scalpel blades shown are: #10, #11, #12, #15, #20 and a stitch cutter blade. In veterinary medicine, #10 blades are most commonly used.