Abstract: A tool for both attaching and removing surgical scalpel blades safely from any standard surgical scalpel handle. The tool taking the form of hand held normally open pliers with an upper jaw including a clear protective cover and a protruding lower jaw. The lower jaw includes a recessed slot and two protrusions for accepting any scalpel blade. Closure of the upper jaw holds the tip of the blade in place while the protruding lower jaw holds the scalpel blade in place for either attachment or removal of the blade from the handle. An alternate embodiment of the tool especially designed as a single use disposable is also included.

Abstract: A sterile aspiration catheter is disclosed which includes a catheter tube enclosed within a pliable sleeve and which extends beyond the tube end which is inserted in the patient. Preferably, the sleeve is vented at the end remote from the tube insertion end whereby as the sleeve is retracted from the tube insertion end, air within the envelope escapes through the vent.