Abstract: A pair of electrically heatable scissors includes two pivotally connected limbs and a current supply. Each of the limbs has a handle region and a cutting region. A blade of at least one of the limbs is formed from an electrically heatable layer or insert that is electrically connected to the current supply. Alternatively, the limbs may be formed in the cutting zone of a single material that can be locally electrically heated when supplied with an electrical current. Scissors of this type are simpler and more effective than scissors that have limbs heated by electrical resistors.

Abstract: A double limbed suturing instrument for use in surgery has clamping limbs 11a, 11b which can be guided together by the exertion of pressure in order to retain a needle or a thread. Cutting means 13, 14 are provided at one or both of the clamping limbs and can be selectively advanced out of or retracted into the clamping limbs by advancing or retracting a slider 21. The instrument can therefore be used in the normal way to clamp articles and also however to cut threads or the like.