Scalpel with a fixed depth of cut

Abstract

Abstract A disposable scalpel (30) having a fixed depth of cut and particularly adapted for radial keratotomy which has a handle (32) with a blade (36) attached to one end. Fixed to the handle (32) is a sleeve (42) which includes an outwardly projecting mount (46) adapted to hold and support a foot (44). The mount (46) in cooperation with the handle (32) and sleeve (42) enables the surgeon to securely and comfortably grasp the scalpel (30). To determine the depth of cut, the foot (44) projects from the mount (46) to define a bifurcated guard (50) which straddles the blade (36). During surgery, the guard (50) is adapted to bear against the cornea to limit the depth to which the blade (36) cuts. The blade (36) projects through the guard (50) to define the depth of cut. By accurately fixing the sleeve (42) and thereby the foot (44) to the handle (32) during manufacture, a precise depth of cut can be provided for the scalpel (30). Also provided is a kit of scalpel sets, the scalpels of each set being the same depth of cut and depth of cut varying from set to set. The number of scalpels in each set is determined by the normal distribution of the probability that a particular depth of cut will be required (Fig. 8).

Inventors

• 👤 Ronald P. Jensen

Bibliographic Details