Apparatus for removing a hook with a barb

An apparatus for removing a hook embedded within a tissue, the hook having a barb extending from a point section of the hook, the apparatus comprising:

• a forceps configured to secure the hook, the forceps including:
• a first arm having a first jaw disposed on a first distal end portion and a first finger grip section disposed on a first proximal end portion, and
• a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm, the second arm having a second jaw disposed on a second distal end portion and a second finger grip section disposed on a second proximal end portion;
• a probe handle pivotally coupled to the forceps, the probe handle including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the proximal end portion having a finger grip section sized to engage a finger;
• and
• a probe pivotally coupled to the distal end portion of the probe handle, the probe having a tip portion configured to fit within a space between the barb and the point section of the hook to allow the hook to be removed from the tissue.

A method of removing a hook embedded within tissue, the hook having a point section and a barb extending from the point section, wherein the point section of the hook has entered the tissue at an area of entry on the tissue to create a wound in the tissue, the method comprising:

• providing an apparatus for removing the hook embedded within the tissue, the apparatus including:
• a clamping device configured to secure the hook, and
• a probe pivotally coupled to the clamping device, the probe having a tip portion configured to fit within a space between the barb and the point section of the hook;
• grasping the hook with the forceps;
• inserting the probe into the area of entry of the wound;
• fitting the tip portion of the probe within a space between the barb and the point section of the hook to form a surface between the probe and the barb;
• and
• removing the hook from the tissue, wherein, due to the surface, further damage to the tissue by the barb is significantly reduced compared to further damage to the tissue caused by the hook being removed without formation of the surface.