What am I looking at?
Visual recognition
Small, pointed triangular No. 11 blade with a straight cutting edge; typically mounted on a handle for a controlled skin nick.
01-06
No. 11 scalpel blade
Skin-nick blade
Three-panel learning framework
Recognition, context, and distinction
What does it do, and where will I see it?
Use & procedural context
Creates a small skin nick at the access site to facilitate passage of a sheath, drain, catheter, or tunneler after wire access. Typical contexts include percutaneous procedures requiring a larger access device.
What most clearly distinguishes it from similar devices?
Key distinctions
The No. 11 blade enlarges the superficial skin entry only; it is used after access is secured and should not be confused with the needle that establishes target entry.