Method, apparatus, and kit for thermal suture cutting

A suture removal kit comprising:

• i. an elongated body comprising a proximal handle portion and distal portion configured to receive an insulated distal tip assembly, said body housing a first, rechargeable power source;
• a conduction means for delivering power from said first power source to a heating element;
• an activation means for initiating an automated current control means;
• and an automated current control means programmed to monitor and control the delivery of a predetermined amount of energy to the heating element as a pulse of high current having a predetermined duration, said duration ranging from 0.1 to 1 second, wherein said high current pulse of predetermined duration and energy heats said heating element to a temperature sufficient to rupture a suture but insufficient to heat said conductive member to a temperature which could potentially burn a patient;
• ii. one or more insulated distal tip assemblies having a generally wedge-shaped distal end, comprising (i) a first conductive member terminating in a tapered distal tip and (ii) a resistive heating element extending alongside said first conductive member and affixed at its distal end to the distal end of said tapered distal tip, said tip assembly detachably mountable to the distal end of said elongated body;
• iii. a charging cradle connectable to a second, external power source for recharging the first power source housed within said elongated body.