Abstract: A lighted surgical instrument has an instrument body defining a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a mid-portion extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a base adapted to receive a light source and a linear section defining a first axis, while the distal portion has a linear section defining a second axis and terminating in a functional tip, with the second axis of the distal portion is parallel to but offset from the first axis of the proximal portion. The linear section of the proximal portion may have a cross-sectional shape of a Reuleaux triangle. The instrument body is capable of functioning as a light pipe, such that light introduced into the base of the proximal portion will be transmitted to the functional tip of the instrument by internal reflection.

Abstract: A needle guard for a manual tattooing device includes a device body and a spring-loaded plunger having a tattoo needle at one end. The plunger is mounted for translational movement within the device body by manual activation of the plunger. The device includes a locking mechanism such that, in a first position, the plunger can be translated to extend the tattoo needle outside of the device body. However, in a second position of the locking device, translational movement of the plunger is prevented, which in turn prevents the exposure of the tattoo needle outside the confines of the device body.