Surgical scalpel

摘要

A scalpel (10) of the present invention includes an elongate handle (50) defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The scalpel (10) of the invention further includes a cartridge that is removably mounted to the handle (50). The cartridge has blade holder (20) with a proximal end and a distal end with a blade (12) fixedly attached that is disposed so that the blade (12) projects distally outwardly when the cartridge is mounted to the handle (50). The cartridge also includes a shield (70) that is slidably mounted onto the blade holder (20) for movement between a distal position where the shield (70) substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade (12) and a proximal position where the shield (70) substantially surrounds a portion of the handle (50) and the blade (12) is exposed for use. The cartridge is releasably mountable on the handle (12). The shield (70) is substantially prevented from movement to the proximal position unless the cartridge is mounted on the handle (50) and not dismountable from the handle (50) unless the shield is in the distal position.