SURGICAL SCALPEL

摘要

Disclosed is a single-use surgical scalpel comprising two molded plastic elements (12), and a surgical blade (54). The first molded plastic element (14) is a housing. The housing (12) has an upper and a lower radiused edge, and ribbed interior wall surfaces (24, 26). The ribbed interior wall surfaces (24, 26) of the molded plastic housing (12) define a channel for slidable engagement of the second molded plastic element (16) which is referred to as a blade carrier (20). The channel has one open end through which a surgical blade (54) is extended during use, a slot (30) through the lower radiused edge for slidable engagement of an actuator/locking fin (50), a single-use indicator window (52), and a retaining element (22) for engaging a distal end of a leaf spring (42). The molded plastic blade carrier (48) comprises a first end adapted for engaging the surgical blade, a second end comprising a leaf spring (42) to assist in blade retraction, the leaf spring (42) having a proximal and a distal end, and a central portion comprising the actuator/locking fin (50) and a single­use indicator. A single-mold embodiment is also disclosed (52).