Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises two elongate members which are pivoted together intermediate their ends in crossing relationship, so as to define a major plane extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of pivotal movement of the members and in which the members move during relative pivotal movement thereof. Each member has at one end an operating portion which cooperates with the operating portion of the other member when the two operating portions are brought together by relative pivotal movement of the two members. Each member has at its opposite end an actuating key which can be urged towards the actuating key of the other member for bringing the operating portions into cooperating disposition. Each actuating key comprises a substantially rectangular plate which extends transversely to the major plane of the instrument whereby force can be applied to urge the actuating keys together.

Abstract: A bistoury handle comprises first and second elongate members, the first member being provided at one end with means for gripping a blade and having a straight portion extending from that end and a curved portion extending from the straight portion towards its opposite end. The second elongate member is straight and is joined at one end to the first elongate member at a point adjacent to the blade-gripping means and is joined at its other end to the opposite end of the first elongate member. The handle further comprises a plate-like member secured to the second elongate member intermediate the ends thereof. The curvature of the curved portion of the first elongate member is adapted to fit in the hollow of the hand while the middle and ring fingers extend about the second elongate member, one on each side of the plate-like member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises first and second elongate members which are pivoted together intermediate their ends in crossing relationship, so as to define a major plane of the instrument extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of pivotal movement of the members and in which the members move during relative pivotal movement thereof. Each member has at a forward end an operating portion which cooperates with the operating portion of the other member when the two operating portions are brought together by relative pivotal movement of the two members, and each member has at its opposite, rearward end an actuating portion which can be urged towards the actuating portion of the other member for bringing the operating portions into cooperating disposition.