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.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 025,909 filed on Feb. 5, 2008 which in turn claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 886,191 filed on Feb. 5, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to devices for performing obstetric surgery, and more particularly to a novel device for performing incisions for a caesarian operation, as well as other similar surgical procedures or operations.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Many surgical procedures require one or more incisions to be made in the skin of a patient to provide access to the respective organ requiring active intervention. Additional incisions may be required in the internal tissues as well. For example, a caesarian section (c-section) is started by making an incision at the level of the pubic bone. Additional incisions are made in the walls of the uteru...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention is a device for performing incisions associated with c-sections and other surgical procedures. It consists of a body which is sized and shaped so that it can be held securely and comfortably by a physician. It includes a body forming a beak used to make an initial puncture in the skin or other membrane. The beak is then inserted into the resulting hole and is advanced, causing the blade to make an incision of a desired length. As the incision is made, a bottom surface of the beak insures an adequate separation between the cutting blade and the underling tissue, thereby preventing undesirable damage to the physician, the mother or the fetus. Preferably, the scalpel is formed of a body having no sharp points or edges and having an ergonomic shape that facilitates different kinds of manipulations. The scalpel can be used for c-sections, laparoscopic procedures, etc.

Problems solved by technology

However, this accepted technique has been found to be undesirable for several reasons.

One reason is that it is hard to control the depth of the cut being made.

If the incisions are too deep, they may result in injury to the fetus.

The physician could get injured while he is reversing the scalpel.

However, existing scalpels have many sharp edges and points that can injure the physician, the mother or the fetus while the incision is made.

A further disadvantage of existing scalpels is that they are fairly narrow, thin and slippery and ergonomically unfit to hold, especially with a gloved hand, especially after they are covered with body fluids.

As a result they are not really suited for operations, such as c-sections, requiring complex and detailed manipulations.

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