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A knife or scissors is generally employed to cut openings in pieces of sheet lead to make them conform to and closely shield small ports on the skin in preparation for x-ray therapy. When a circular opening is required, the use of either instrument is tedious and unsatisfactory. It is difficult to make a perfect circle with these instruments, and the cut edge is rough.
Set of graduated cork borers with plunger at top and corresponding circles made with the borers in 1 mm. lead sheet.
Recently, Wilson1 described a means of shielding through the use of a plastic compound. We have found this method excellent in treating lesions of irregular outline. However, a small circular opening is usually adequate for a great majority of lesions measuring several centimeters or less.
The operator may be spared a great deal of time, effort, and expense if he is able to