Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instrument that includes a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm pivotally attached at a pivoting joint. The first and second elongated arms include a distal end, a proximal end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second elongated arms define, along respective inner surfaces, opposing gripping portions and opposing cutting edges adjacent to the gripping portions. The first or second elongated arms also include a flange that outwardly deflects from either the first or second distal ends and the first and second elongated arms both include an outwardly deflecting flange. Embodiments enable the cutting of sutures at surgical sites possessing numerous sutures in an expedient manner without the instrument catching the sutures. The instrument also includes functionality to remove staples at a surgical site.