Abstract: A scalpel may include a blade cover having a length within the range of 3 to 9 centimeters and a blade body having a blade carrier and a blade. The blade cover may include a housing, a front lock member, a back lock member, and a safety lock member. The blade body may be fully retractable and movable within the housing. The front lock member, the back lock member, and the safety lock member may be configured to define at least three different locked positions of the blade body relative to the housing.

Abstract: A scalpel may include a blade cover having a length within the range of 3 to 9 centimeters and a blade body having a blade carrier and a blade. The blade cover may include a housing, a front lock member, a back lock member, and a safety lock member. The blade body may be fully retractable and movable within the housing. The front lock member, the back lock member, and the safety lock member may be configured to define at least three different locked positions of the blade body relative to the housing.

Abstract: A scalpel may include a blade cover having a length within the range of 3 to 9 centimeters and a blade body having a blade carrier and a blade. The blade cover may include a housing, a front lock member, a back lock member, and a safety lock member. The blade body may be fully retractable and movable within the housing. The front lock member, the back lock member, and the safety lock member may be configured to define at least three different locked positions of the blade body relative to the housing.

Abstract: An introducer for a radiofrequency needle includes a hollow tube. An introducer for a radiofrequency needle may also include a radiofrequency needle that extends through the hollow tube. The hollow tube includes a first portion that includes a longitudinal axis and a second portion that includes a longitudinal axis, that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first portion and has a distal tissue piercing tip segment and a bevel. The bevel has a heel segment in which the inner edge is rounded. The inner edge is rounded substantially continuously along the heel segment in an amount sufficient to prevent snagging of a radiofrequency needle on the inner edge as the radiofrequency needle is moved during placement.

Abstract: A needle apparatus and method of manufacturing the same arc disclosed. The needle apparatus includes a tubular needle component having a handling end including a needle hub and an insertion end including a pointed portion configured for piercing tissue of a patient. The needle apparatus also includes a cover forming a sleeve surrounding the tubular needle component. The cover extends along an outer surface of the tubular needle component such that the insertion tip of the needle remains uncovered. The cover includes a tapered end coupled to the tubular needle component adjacent to the insertion tip of the needle. The tapered end of the cover has a taper angle of 5-20 degrees with respect to the outer surface of the tubular needle component.

Abstract: A needle apparatus and a method of implementing a needle apparatus are disclosed. The needle apparatus includes a hollow tube component including, at a first end of the hollow tube component, a pointed portion configured for piercing tissue of a patient and a needle hub disposed at a second end of the hollow tube component. The hollow tube component includes a bend disposed therein. The bend is positioned between the first and second ends of the hollow tube component. The needle apparatus also includes a stylet removably positioned in the hollow tube component. The stylet is characterized by a proximal end and a distal end. The stylet includes a stylet hub coupled to the distal end. At least a portion of the proximal end of the stylet includes a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of at least a portion of the distal end of the stylet.

Abstract: An introducer for a radiofrequency needle includes a hollow tube. An introducer for a radiofrequency needle may also include a radiofrequency needle that extends through the hollow tube. The hollow tube includes a first portion that includes a longitudinal axis and a second portion that includes a longitudinal axis, that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the first portion and has a distal tissue piercing tip segment and a bevel. The bevel has a heel segment in which the inner edge is rounded. The inner edge is rounded substantially continuously along the heel segment in an amount sufficient to prevent snagging of a radiofrequency needle on the inner edge as the radiofrequency needle is moved during placement.

Abstract: An epidural needle for placement of a pain management electrode includes an elongated bevel having a heel segment defined by a proximal rounded inner edge in which the heel has an electropolished radius of at least about 0.002 inch extending substantially continuously along the inner edge that defines the heel; a method for fabricating the needle.