Laparoscopic device with suture cutter

Abstract

A laparoscopic device with suture cutter includes a tubular housing having first, second, and third channels. Each channel extends longitudinally along the housing. A first suture grasping instrument in the first channel has an end effector that can be actuated to extend outwardly from the distal end of the housing to grasp a first portion of a suture. A second suture grasping instrument in the second channel has an end effector that can be actuated to extend outwardly from the distal end to grasp a second portion of a suture. A cutting blade is recessed in the distal end at a location between the first and second channels. The first and second instruments can be retracted into the distal end of the housing while grasping the suture and to engage the suture with the blade to sever the suture. The third channel can house a laparoscope.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.