SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH CUSHIONED HANDLE ASSEMBLY

摘要

A surgical instrument (100) is provided which includes a cushioned portion (122) attached to at least one of the pressure contact regions of the handle assembly. The cushioned portion (122) is preferably formed from a material which is slip-resistant even in the presence of body fluids. The cushioned portion (122) may be over-molded onto the pressure contact regions of the handle (112). Alternately, the cushioned portion (122) can be fastened to the pressure contact regions of the handle assembly using other fastening techniques including adhesives, screws, welding, etc. In one preferred embodiment, the cushioned portion (122) is formed from a thermplastic elastomer. However, other slip-resistant pliant materials may also be used including elastomers, synthetics, etc.