US 2001/0034515 A1 · Laser onychectomy by resection of the redundant epithelium of the ungual crest

Abstract

A surgical process for removing the third phalanx of a feline, and most commonly a housecat, while reducing bleeding, swelling, pain and tissue deficit. A circumferential incision is formed on the epidermis of the ungual crest and traction is applied to the epidermis in a cranial direction. This exposes the extensor tendon and synovium, which are incised by the laser from a dorsal position aimed in a palmar direction. While applying traction to the third phalanx in a palmar direction, the collateral ligaments are ablated, permitting further disarticulation of the PII-PIII joint. Finally, the flexor tendon and tissue of the pad are incised by the laser from a dorsal position, permitting removal of the third phalanx. The declaw site is then covered with the redundant epithelium preserved in this process.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A feline onychectomy surgical method using a laser cutting instrument, the method comprising:

(a) forming a first circumferential incision in the epidermis near the edge of the ungual crest of the claw, thereby severing at least some of the epidermis from the ungual crest;
(b) applying cranial traction to the epidermis severed from the ungual crest to displace the distal edge of the epithelium cranially;
(c) incising the extensor tendon near its insertion on the ungual crest;
(d) incising the synovium of the PII-PIII joint;
(e) applying traction to the claw in the palmar direction for disarticulating the PII-PIII joint;
(f) ablating the medial and lateral collateral ligaments;
(g) incising the digital flexor tendon;
and
(h) incising the subcutaneous tissues of the pad of the second phalanx.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Laser onychectomy by resection of the redundant epithelium of the ungual crest

Life of this patent

Laser onychectomy by resection of the redundant epithelium of the ungual crest

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6