CLOSED CHANNEL RETRACTABLE SURGICAL BLADE DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

A retractable surgical blade includes a handle defining a channel and a surgical blade member. The handle has a front portion and a back portion. The front portion defines a channel which confines the surgical blade member. The back portion includes a front wall and may be solid. The surgical blade member includes a slider to which is secured a surgical blade. The slider has a portion which engages the channel so that the surgical blade member can move from a cutting position in which the surgical blade projects from the handle and can be employed in a surgical procedure to a parked position in which the surgical blade is disposed in the channel. When in the parked position, the surgical blade is unable to cut or stab persons associated with the surgical procedure. The device may include a locking device to lock the surgical blade member in the parked position. An associated method of performing a surgical procedure is also disclosed.