device for performing surgery

Abstract

A scalpel for performing complex surgeries, such as c-sections, is formed of a body that is preferably elongated and shaped and sized to fit ergonomically into the hands of surgeons. The body has surfaces that are joined to each other by smooth transition elements to insure that the body has no points or sharp edges that could cut or scratch the surgeon or the patient. The body is formed with a triangular notch formed of a beak and an extension. A surgical blade, preferably a standard off-the-shelf surgical blade, is imbedded in the body and the only portion of the blade that is accessible is a portion of its cutting edge spanning the notch. The scalpel is used by introducing the beak into a slit in the tissue with the blade portion facing the direction in which the cut is to be made. The body of the scalpel is then grasped firmly and advanced to make the cut. The initial incision can be made with the tip of the beak. In one embodiment, the body is molded around the blade. In another embodiment, the body is made of two parts that are welded together.

1 . A scalpel comprising:
 a plastic body having a flat shape with a periphery, said periphery forming a triangular notch defining an extension and a beak, said beak being longer then said extension; and   a blade imbedded in said body and having a sharp edge portion extending between said extension and said beak and positioned to cut tissue passing between said beak and said extension.   
     
     
         2 . The scalpel of  claim 1  wherein said body is substantially circular. 
     
     
         3 . The scalpel of  claim 1  wherein said body is elongated to form two opposed ends, said notch being formed at one of said ends. 
     
     
         4 . The scalpel of  claim 3  wherein said body is formed with two longitudinal edges. 
     
     
         5 . The scalpel of  claim 4  wherein said longitudinal edges are curved. 
     
     
         6 . The scalpel of  claim 1  wherein said body is formed with only rounded transitions between surfaces to eliminate sharp edges and points. 
     
     
         7 . A surgical scalpel comprising:
 an elongated body shaped to fit comfortably in a hand and having two opposed flat surfaces disposed between two longitudinal edges, a round end and an another end formed with a notch formed by an extension and a beak; and   a surgical blade provided within the notch, said beak being arranged to direct flat tissue toward said cutting portion.   
     
     
         8 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said two longitudinal edges are curved to define a shape for holding in a palm. 
     
     
         9 . The scalpel of  claim 8  wherein said longitudinal edges define a substantially constant width for the body. 
     
     
         10 . The scalpel of  claim 8  wherein said longitudinal edges define a tapered width for the body. 
     
     
         11 . The scalpel of  claim 10  wherein said body is wider near the rounded end. 
     
     
         12 . The scalpel of  claim 7  further comprising grooves on said surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The scalpel of  claim 12  wherein one of said longitudinal edges is a bottom edge having a bottom point disposed near said beak, wherein said grooves are perpendicular to a line tangential to said bottom point. 
     
     
         14 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said surfaces are provided with grasping elements to allow the scalpel to be grasped during a surgery. 
     
     
         15 . The scalpel of  claim 14  further comprising a rim disposed around at least one of said flat surfaces, said rim being joined to said surface by a ledge. 
     
     
         16 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein one of said longitudinal edges is a top edge, said top edge having protrusions. 
     
     
         17 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein one of said longitudinal edges has a marking aligned with said cutting portion to provide an indication of the position of said cutting portion. 
     
     
         18 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein body is defined by a plurality of surfaces, said surfaces being joined by rounded transitions to eliminate any sharp edges and points on said body. 
     
     
         19 . The scalpel of  claim 7  further comprising a surgical blade made of a metallic material and imbedded in said body, said blade having a cutting edge having a cutting portion that is exposed and spans said notch. 
     
     
         20 . The scalpel of  claim 19  wherein said blade is a standard surgical blade. 
     
     
         21 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said cutting blade is formed integrally as a thinned portion of the body, said body and blade being made of a plastic material. 
     
     
         22 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said extension is shorter than said beak to provide a clear line of sight to said blade as viewed from the top. 
     
     
         23 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said beak has a triangular cross-section that is wider at the bottom than at the top supporting the blade, said beak terminating in a rounded point. 
     
     
         24 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said body is made of two parts, each part being formed with an indentation, wherein said parts are joined together to define a cavity receiving said surgical blade. 
     
     
         25 . The scalpel of  claim 7  wherein said body is made of thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         26 . The scalpel of  claim 25  wherein said thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of PEI and ABS.