The most common blade shape is the #10. It's often used for making small incisions in muscle and skin. Typical applications might include inguinal hernia repair or opening the bronchus during thoracic surgery. In contrast, the #11 blade is more elongated, with a triangular blade shape and pointed tip. Surgical blades come in sterile packaging and the number on a surgical blade communicates both its size and its shape. Some common types and numbers of blades include the following:

The #10 – A large curved cutting edge, which represents a more traditional blade shape. It is used for cutting soft tissue, typically with large incisions.

The #11 – A long, triangular blade with the hypotenuse as its sharpest edge. Because of its pointed tip, it is typically used for stabbing incisions and/or short, precise cuts that are shallow.

The #20 - A large curved blade commonly used for cutting tissue and other procedures that require a puncture or cut.

The #21 –Similar to the #20, it features a large curved blade commonly used for cutting tissue and other procedures that require a puncture or cut.

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