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 forceps device (10) is described. The forceps device includes a handle (11) formed of spaced apart plates (14) and (15) joined by bridge member (16) to form a pocket (17). Spaced apart arms (12) and (13) form the distal end of the handle and terminate at inwardly facing pointed ends (12a) and (13a) that are used to pull the sides of a surgical incision together so that the surgeon can close the incision with sutures. The handle provides for a holder (18) and a knife blade (19) that fold out of the pocket when the surgeon presses his or her thumb against a serrated protrusion (18c) that protrudes from the proximal end of the handle.