Abstract: A forceps-like device with scored surfaces on the inside of the tips of two arms for grasping a suture. A blade is provided on the inside of one arm just behind the tip. The blade does not contact the other arm when a light amount of compression force is applied to grasp a suture. By applying a greater amount of compression force, the arms are further compressed behind the tips, pushing the blade into contact with an anvil surface on the opposite arm, allowing it to cut a suture positioned in-between.

Abstract: An improved combination forceps and cutting instrument. A pair of opposed elongated metal arms are coupled to a first end and have opposing planar forceps-grasping surfaces at a second end. Behind this second end are a pair of opposed cutting blades extending inward from the arms. The cutting blades are perpendicular to the arms and form a scissors type cutting mechanism. The blades are biased towards each other so that the cutting edges scrape each other as the instrument is closed.