Surgical instrument for removing objects from the skin

Abstract

Generally there is provided an improved surgical tool or instrument which is designed to be inserted in the skin to penetrate to the site of an imbedded object, catch the object and pull it to the surface. This instrument comprises an elongated shaft having a handle portion and an operative end projecting substantially transverse thereto. The tip of the operative end includes a point directed toward the handle portion to catch the imbedded object on the withdrawal but to pass by the object on the insertion. Additionally, there is provided side edges on the shaft arranged to slice the skin during insertion to allow a cut only as large as necessary to penetrate the tool. Similarly, a further feature provides edges on the tip portion of the operative end to cut skin as necessary during extraction to open a passage only as large as necessary to remove the tool and the imbedded object. Operation of the instrement is improved with a heel formed at the transition between the shaft and the operative end, and used to press skin away from and expose the imbedded object.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.