Surgical scalpel

US5938676A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Becton, Dickinson and Company · US

Inventors

• Simon Cohn · Lebanon, US
• Paul Di Cesare · Easton, US
• Michael Carter · Monmouth Junction, US
• Jon D. Swenson · Wayne, US
• Ann Eckert · Easton, US
• Noel Gharibian · Glendale, US
• Craig Newman · West Babylon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 1998
• Grant date: Aug 17, 1999
• Expiry date: Mar 31, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/32113
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A scalpel of the present invention includes an elongate handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The scalpel of the invention further includes a cartridge that is removably mounted to the handle. The cartridge has blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end with a blade fixedly attached that is disposed so that the blade projects distally outwardly when the cartridge is mounted to the handle. The cartridge also includes a shield that is slidably mounted onto the blade holder for movement between a distal position where the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position where the shield substantially surrounds a portion of the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The cartridge is releasably mountable on the handle. The shield is substantially prevented from movement to the proximal position unless the cartridge is mounted on the handle and not dismountable from the handle unless the shield is in the distal position.