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Method, apparatus, and kit for thermal suture cutting

  • US 7,699,856 B2
  • Filed: 01/11/2006
  • Issued: 04/20/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A suture removal instrument comprising:

  • (a) an elongated body comprising a proximal handle portion and distal portion configured to receive an insulated distal tip assembly;

    (b) a demountable insulated distal tip assembly having a generally wedge-shaped distal end, comprising (i) a first conductive member terminating in a tapered distal tip and (ii) a resistive heating element extending alongside said first conductive member and affixed at its distal end to the distal end of said tapered distal tip;

    (c) conduction means for supplying power to said heating element;

    (d) activation means for initiating an automated current control means; and

    (e) an automated current control means programmed to monitor and control the delivery of a predetermined amount of energy to the heating element as a pulse of high current having a predetermined duration, said duration ranging from 0.1 to 1 second, wherein said high current pulse of predetermined duration and energy heats said heating element to a temperature sufficient to rupture a suture but insufficient to heat said conductive member to a temperature which could potentially burn a patient.

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