Catheter removal instruments and methods

A catheter removal instrument for removal of a catheter at an interface of the catheter with a portion of dermis of a patient, comprising:

• two instrument arms each extending along an instrument arm axis, the two instrument arms pivoted together at a hinge, each instrument arm comprising a digitally manipulative portion at a proximal end and a jaw portion at a distal end, each jaw portion having a jaw, with each jaw oriented to face toward the jaw portion on which an opposing jaw is mounted, and wherein each jaw has an opening directed inwardly toward the other jaw and inwardly toward the instrument arm on which the opposing jaw is mounted, and wherein the distal end of each jaw portion is tapered toward the distal end of the jaw located on each jaw portion, so as to facilitate engagement of the jaw portions with a portion of the dermis of a patient, and wherein the jaws are each configured as at least partially curve shaped jaws which are located along their respective instrument arm to oppose each other when brought together, so that in use, the two opposing at least partially curve shaped jaws together clasp substantially around a catheter to be removed;
• wherein the jaws each include recesses having openings, wherein the openings oppose one another when the jaws are moved toward each other, and wherein the openings are defined by tips and valleys in the opening of each jaw, and wherein the tips and valleys extend along and within the jaws in a direction substantially along the axis of the instrument arm on which the jaw is mounted.