Primarily used in cataract surgery, diamond knives are continually gaining popularity for their advantages over conventional blades. Scanning electron microscopy has shown that diamond knife incisions induce less disruption to the corneal epithelium and stroma*. Many ophthalmologists also believe incisions heal better when made with diamond knives.  

 

While diamond knives offer many benefits, there are some challenges. The up front cost of natural diamonds knives can be expensive.  Diamond knives must undergo routine maintenance and must be handled with extreme care by surgeons, perioperative staff and skilled reprocessing technicians, to avoid chipping.  Diamond knives can fail to cut properly because the edges of the blade have become chipped and begin to "drag" or "resist" when incisions are made, making it feel like it's dull. Small chips to the diamond can also occur from improper handling - including your surgeon nicking it by using it too close to his/her instruments.  Even if special care is taken to avoid the above, all diamond blades are secured in their base with adhesive, which after repeated sterilizations, will eventually break down. This can potentially cause your blade to become loose and possibly fall out.  Ambler Surgical recommends that all diamond knives be inspected every six months or so, depending on their usage, to ensure the integrity of the adhesive.

 

The array of diamond knives can be intimidating - there are hundreds of shapes, sizes and varying degrees of hardness to consider.  Adding to the complexity is the decision of whether to purchase natural, black or sapphire diamond knives. Today, we hope to demystify the attributes of diamond knives by explaining the differences and benefits of using each type of diamond knife.

  

 

Natural Diamond Knives

 

Natural diamonds are the hardest material on earth. They can last forever if handled, cleaned and sterilized properly. These blades rank a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.

• Guaranteed to be flawless
• Provide the sharpest cutting edge of all diamond types
• Precision cut to the specific blade configurations of your choice
• Superior mounting technology ensures your blade is securely mounted
• Diamonds can have unlimited use with proper care and routine maintenance
• OSHA compliant titanium retractable handle 

Black Diamond Knives

 

Black diamonds are a cost-effective alternative to natural diamond blades. They range from a 8.5 - 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.

• Low initial out of pocket cost
• Better visualization with no reflection
• Limited diamond configurations 
• Cannot be rehoned
• Replacement cost is comparable to the price of rehoning natural diamond knives
• Blades recommended for 400 - 500 uses 
• OSHA compliant titanium retractable handle 

Sapphire Diamond Knives

 

Sapphire diamonds are a cost-effective alternative for centers that use stainless steel blades. They range from an 6 - 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.

• Provide a superior cut over stainless steel blades
• Incision results in less tissue damage
• Wounds heal faster with less scarring
• Limited diamond configurations 
• Cannot be rehoned
• Blades are good for 100 -150 uses 
• OSHA compliant titanium retractable handle

 

Ambler Surgical offers a huge selection of diamond knives. Contact us today for more information.  We're diamond knife experts!