Use of the Shaw scalpel in ophthalmic surgery

A resistively heated scalpel (Shaw scalpel) was used in ten patients for orbital and lid surgical procedures. The blade temperature is set from 110 degrees to 270 degrees C producing a remarkable hemostatic effect with minimal thermal damage to the incision margins. The instrument has proven useful in preserving a good view of the anatomy during dissection and specifically it simplifies excision of orbital fat in blepharoplasty and orbital decompressions for Graves' orbitopathy. Significant shortening of surgical procedures was appreciated in all cases.