Kirkland Gingivectomy Knife #15/16, #6 Handle, Retromolar - Hu-Friedy - Delynov

What is the Hu-Friedy Kirkland #15/16 gum knife?

The Kirkland #15/16 gum knife is a high-precision manual instrument manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC. This device consists of a specific working end and a #6 handle, designed for oral surgery procedures. As an instrument in the INSTRU category, it is intended for cutting and reshaping gingival soft tissues. Its structure is optimized to offer stable handling during delicate incision phases, meeting the requirements of dental surgeons and periodontists. This product is a Class I medical device, ensuring its compliance with basic regulatory standards for non-invasive or minimally invasive surgical instrumentation.

What are the clinical indications for this instrument?

The Kirkland #15/16 knife from Hu-Friedy is primarily indicated for gingivectomy and gingivoplasty. In periodontal surgery, it allows for precise external bevel incisions to eliminate supra-osseous periodontal pockets or to reshape asymmetrical gingival contours. Its specific design makes it particularly useful in retromolar sectors where access may be restricted for other types of scalpels. It is used by healthcare professionals for the excision of fibrous or hypertrophied tissue, thus facilitating soft tissue management during various oral and implant surgery procedures.

What are the technical characteristics of the #6 handle and the working end?

The Kirkland #15/16 knife is equipped with a #6 type handle, a Hu-Friedy benchmark for its grip during surgical acts. The Kirkland #15/16 working end features specifically angled blades to allow efficient cutting along the entire length of the edge. This technical configuration is designed to facilitate the passage of the instrument into posterior areas, notably the retromolar zone, while maintaining optimal control of the incision depth. Manufacturing by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC ensures a rigorous finish of the cutting surfaces to minimize resistance when cutting dense gingival tissues.

What are the contraindications for the use of this gum knife?

The use of the Kirkland #15/16 gum knife is reserved exclusively for healthcare professionals qualified in dental and periodontal surgery. Although the manufacturer Hu-Friedy does not list specific medical contraindications related to the material in the provided data, the use of this instrument is contraindicated for any application other than that intended by the manufacturer, namely soft tissue surgery. It must not be used on hard tissues such as bone or dental enamel, at the risk of irremediably damaging the blade's edge. A prior clinical evaluation of the patient is necessary to ensure the absence of systemic pathologies contraindicating a periodontal surgical intervention.

What are the maintenance precautions for this non-resorbable instrument?

As a reusable Class I metallic surgical instrument, the Hu-Friedy Kirkland #15/16 knife requires a strict sterilization and maintenance protocol between each patient. Although composition specifications are not detailed here, this type of instrument must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and current hospital hygiene standards. It is imperative to check the integrity of the cutting edge before each use. A dull edge can compromise the precision of the incision and post-operative healing. Professionals must carefully read the instructions provided by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC before any handling.

Who is the manufacturer and what standards are respected?

The Kirkland #15/16 gum knife is manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, located at 3232 N. Rockwell St. Chicago, Il 60618 USA. This medical device is classified as Class I according to current regulations. The manufacturer emphasizes that the use of this instrument is strictly reserved for healthcare professionals. Compliance with Hu-Friedy manufacturing protocols ensures that the instrument meets safety and performance requirements for periodontal surgery interventions. Users are invited to systematically consult the instructions for use and manufacturer warnings to ensure use compliant with clinical care standards.

State of the art

Specialized surgical instrumentation is evolving towards ergonomic designs.