Razor blade surgery: use of the Castroviejo blade breaker and holder.
BACKGROUND
To remove skin lesions, many dermatologists use the razor blade which may be manipulated with or without the aid of an instrument. However, the techniques previously described employ the use of an entire razor blade.


OBJECTIVE
To outline a technique that is easily performed with better control of the blade and with more precise cutting than by holding the blade by hand. This report reviews the merits of razor blade use in cutaneous surgery as well as the advantages of using the Castroviejo razor blade breaker.


METHODS
The method for cutting double-edged razor blades and holding the sections with a Castroviejo blade breaker is described as well as a basic guide for selecting blade size for performing shave biopsies and shave excisions.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the Castroviejo razor blade breaker and holder with cut razor blades is safe and allows better control and more precise cutting than using a complete double-edged blade alone.
Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, USA.
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D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments