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.