Surgical scalpel with retractable blade

摘要

A surgical scalpel having a handle with a blade carrying carriage that can be slid from an intermediate position where the blade is within the handle to an extended position where the blade extends beyond the distal end of the handle and is exposed for use. After use, the blade can then be slid back to the intermediate position to cover the blade when being passed between operating room personnel or can be slid to a permanently locked position where the blade is permanently covered permitting the scalpel to be disposed of. In addition, means are provided for securely latching the blade in the extended position and the intermediate position to prevent inadvertent movement of the blade and means are provided for indicating that the blade is in the permanently locked position for disposal.