Kirkland #15/16 Black Line gingivectomy knife, short handle - Hu-Friedy - Delynov

What is the Hu-Friedy Kirkland #15/16 Black Line gingival knife?

The kirkland #15/16 Black Line knife, manufactured by Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, is a manual surgical instrument specifically designed for periodontology. This model is distinguished by its double-ended configuration and short handle, offering maneuverability adapted to restricted access areas. Belonging to the Black Line range, it features a dark coating that improves visual contrast with gingival tissues and reduces reflections under operating lights. This Class I device is a tool of choice for practitioners requiring high-quality instrumentation for soft tissue management during oral surgery procedures.

What are the clinical indications for this instrument?

The kirkland knife is primarily indicated for gingivectomy and gingivoplasty procedures. In periodontal surgery, it is used for the initial excision of excess or diseased gingival tissue. Its design allows for precise beveled incisions, facilitating the reshaping of the gingiva to correct morphological defects or treat supra-bony periodontal pockets. It is also used in pre-implant or aesthetic surgeries to harmonize the contours of the keratinized mucosa. The use of this instrument is strictly reserved for qualified healthcare professionals, in accordance with the instructions from the manufacturer Hu-Friedy.

What are the technical characteristics of this gingival knife?

This Hu-Friedy instrument features a #15/16 configuration, characterized by kidney-shaped blades that are sharpened around their entire circumference. This geometry allows for efficient cutting in several directions, optimizing the surgical gesture during tissue resection. The short handle of this specific model improves tactile control and movement precision in posterior sectors or in patients with limited mouth opening. As a product of the Black Line series, it incorporates advanced surface properties to limit surgeon eye fatigue while maintaining consistent cutting performance.

What are the contraindications for the use of this device?

According to the information provided by the manufacturer Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, the use of this kirkland knife is reserved exclusively for healthcare professionals. Although raw MDR data does not list specific medical contraindications related to the materials, general contraindications for periodontal surgery apply. This includes patients with uncontrolled systemic disorders that could compromise healing or increase hemorrhagic risks. It is the practitioner's responsibility to assess the patient's health status and carefully read the instructions before use to ensure the device's suitability for the encountered clinical situation.

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

As a reusable Class I surgical instrument, the Hu-Friedy kirkland knife requires a rigorous sterilization and maintenance protocol. Although composition details are not specified, this type of metallic instrumentation must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized in an autoclave after each use, in accordance with standard aseptic protocols in dental practices. Practitioners must ensure the cutting edges of the blades are protected during the cleaning cycle to preserve incision efficiency. A visual inspection before each procedure is recommended to check the integrity of the Black Line finish and the absence of corrosion or deformation of the active tips.

Who is the manufacturer and what standards are met?

The kirkland #15/16 Black Line 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. Hu-Friedy is a globally recognized manufacturer for the quality of its dental instrumentation, guaranteeing compliance with strict manufacturing standards to ensure the safety of patients and users. Healthcare professionals must imperatively read the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer before any use to ensure usage compliant with regulatory and clinical requirements.

State of the art

Specialized surgical instrumentation is evolving towards ergonomic designs.