Using the VisiPunch

1.Identify the lesion or area of skin to be biopsied.

2.Carefully remove the VisiPunch from the sterile packaging.

3.If an exam light is in use, direct the light toward the area to be biopsied.

4.Using a “window” in the VisiPunch to view inside the punch, position the VisiPunch over the lesion or the area of skin to be removed, maintaining a 1mm to 2mm margin.

5.For example, look through one window then “rock” the punch to the ipsilateral side and look through the opposite window.

6.While rolling the punch between the index finger and thumb of your dominant hand, push towards the skin surface.

7.The physician is cautioned to make the incision only deep enough to penetrate the dermis. Making the incision too deep may harm the underlying tissue, blood vessels, nerves or organs.

8.Once the desired depth is attained, remove the VisiPunch from the incision site and remove the tissue with toothed pickups and iris scissors. Discard the VisiPunch in the proper disposal container.

9.Complete the excision of the lesion and closure of the wound in the usual manner.

Note: A physician preparing to use this instrument must be familiar with the proper procedure to perform a dermal biopsy.