Inventors:
Drew Joseph Stoken - Carlisle PA, US
International Classification:
A61B 17/32
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for identifying an insertion area of a surgical blade is disclosed. It is desirable for an indicator to be applied to the surface of a surgical blade prior to being packaged for distribution, preferably during the manufacturing process. The indicator, which may include any tissue dye approved for surgical use, may be applied without damaging the cutting edge of the surgical blade. When the blade is inserted into a tissue, a portion of the indicator is transferred from the surface of the blade, or any other part of the device, to the tissue. After a surgeon performs the necessary incision and removes the blade, the indicator that has been transferred to the tissue aids in visually identifying the incision area. In this manner, subsequent manipulation of the incision area during the surgical process is facilitated.