Patent Publication Number: US-9889569-B2

Title: Protective surgical cutter

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is directed toward an apparatus and method for removing a ring worn on a body. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Removal of a ring worn on a finger, toe, or other body part may be necessary at times. However, under certain circumstances the ring may not be removed by simply sliding it off the body due to, for example, swelling or injury of the body, or deformation of the ring itself. In such situations, the ring may need to be removed with the use of an apparatus or method other than sliding the ring off the body. 
     However, such apparatus and methods may pose risks to the wearer of a ring, particularly the risk of getting cut or injured during ring removal, in some cases resulting in severe and potentially life threatening wounds. 
     For this reason it is important that improved methods and apparatuses for the safe removal of rings from the body continue to be developed with the aim of reducing the frequency and severity of injuries arising from ring removal procedures. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for the surgical removal of rings. The apparatus for surgical removal of a ring includes a first guard, a second guard, the second guard rotatably connected to the first guard, a first handle, the first handle rotatably connected to the first guard and including a first portion partially disposed within the first guard, and a second handle, the second handle rotatably connected to the second guard and including a first portion partially disposed within the second guard. The apparatus further includes a guide connected to the first guard and the second guard, a first blade, disposed on the first portion of the first handle, the first blade in contact with at least one of the guide and an inner surface of the first guard, and a second blade, disposed on the first portion of the second handle, the second blade in contact with at least one of the guide and an inner surface of the second guard. An axis of rotation of a joint between the first guard and the second guard, an axis of rotation of the first handle and the first guard, and an axis of rotation of the second handle and the second guard are substantially parallel. Movement of a first end of the first handle toward a first end of the second handle results in movement of a second end of the first handle toward a second end of the second handle, and movement of the first blade toward the second blade. 
     Each of the first and the second blades includes a cutting blade disposed on at least one of a first edge and a second edge, a blade pin disposed on a third edge, a blade beam disposed on a fourth edge, and a blade spring disposed about and along the blade pin. Each of the first and the second blades is connected to the respective first and second handles by the blade beam disposed within a beam channel of the respective first and second handles and the blade pin disposed in a pin groove of the respective first and second handles. The blade spring is compressed between the third edge of each of the first and the second blades and the respective first and second handles, and each of the first and the second blades is slidable with respect to the respective first and second handles along a length of the beam channel. 
     The guide is disposed in contact with the first guard and the second guard along a length of the guide, and the guide includes a bracket disposed on a side of one of the first guard and the second guard, a bracket pin connecting the bracket to the one of the first guard and the second guard, a fastener connecting the bracket to a first end of the guide, and a locator. A first end of the locator is disposed next to a side of the other one of the first guard and the second guard, and a second end of the locator is connected to a second end of the guide, and a locator pin connects the locator to the other one of the first guard and the second guard. An edge of the first blade is in contact with at least one of the inner surface of the first guard and the guide, due to compression of a first blade spring, as the first blade moves out from within the first guard, through a range of motion along a length of the guide. An edge of the second blade is in contact with at least one of the inner surface of the second guard and the guide, due to compression of a second blade spring, as the second blade moves out from within the second guard, through a range of motion along a length of the guide, the first blade and the second blade moving closer together. 
     The guide includes a groove at least as wide as a width of at least one of a cutting blade of the first blade and a cutting blade of the second blade. The groove allows the guide to shield a wearer of the ring from the cutting blades as the first and second blades move along a length of the guide within the groove of the guide while exposing the ring to a clamping force of the cutting blades of the first and second blades. 
     Connecting the locator and the guide is a slot. The slot allows adjustment of the second end of the guide within the second end of the locator to adjust a length of the guide, and a distance between the first guard and the second guard. 
     A latch is rotatably connected to the first end of the locator, and an indentation is disposed in the side of the other one of the first guard and the second guard. A pivoting motion of the latch in a first direction hooks the latch into the indentation, securing a relative position of the locator to the other one of the first guard and the second guard. A pivoting motion of the latch in a second direction unhooks the latch from the indentation, allowing adjustment of a position of the locator with respect to the other one of the first guard and the second guard, and with respect to the guide. 
     The first guard partially encloses the first portion of the first handle in a resting position, a cutting blade of the first blade being out of view until a force is applied to the first handle. The second guard partially encloses the first portion of the second handle in the resting position, a cutting blade of the second blade being out of view until a force is applied to the second handle. 
     The guide includes a groove at least as wide as an outermost portion of an end of at least one of the first guard and the second guard that is in contact with the guide. 
     The groove is at least 2 mm wide. 
     A stopper is connected to at least one of an end of the first guard and an end of the second guard. The stopper limits a pivoting motion of the first guard and the second guard by maintaining a minimum distance between the end of the first guard and the end of the second guard. 
     The stopper is adjustable along a length, allowing adjustment of the minimum distance between the end of the first guard and the end of the second guard. 
     The first blade and the second blade are identical and disposed symmetrically. 
     The present disclosure is further directed to a method for the surgical removal a ring. The method for surgical removal of a ring includes the steps of inserting a guide through the ring, connecting the guide to a locator, connecting the guide to a first guard and a second guard, securing the locator to one of the first guard and the second guard, and pressing a first handle and a second handle together to press a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade together to cut the ring. 
     The method further includes the step of adjusting the guide by sliding the guide to a desired position within the locator. 
     The foregoing general description of the illustrative implementations and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure, and are not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a surgical cutting tool in a neutral position, according to one example; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of the surgical cutting tool in a neutral position, according to one example, shown without a guard to illustrate components disposed within the guard; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of a surgical cutting tool shown in a closed position cutting a ring, according to one example; 
         FIG. 2C  is a close up side view of the surgical cutting tool as in  FIG. 2B , according to one example, shown in a closed position cutting the ring; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a guard, according to one example; 
         FIG. 3B  is another perspective view of the guard of  FIG. 3A , according to one example; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a handle, according to one example; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a guard, according to one example; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a handle, according to one example; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a blade assembly, according to one example; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a guide, according to one example; 
         FIG. 8B  is a section view of the guide and a groove, according to one example; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a lock bracket, according to one example; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a locator, according to one example; 
         FIG. 11  a perspective view of a latch, according to one example; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a pivot bracket, according to one example; and 
         FIG. 13  is a process diagram for operation of a surgical cutting tool, according to one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a”, “an” and the like generally carry a meaning of “one or more”, unless stated otherwise. Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a surgical cutting tool  100  in a neutral position, according to one example. The surgical cutting tool  100  comprises a guard  102  rotatably connected to a guard  104  about a guard joint  110 . The guard joint  110  is comprised of a guard joint  110   a  of the guard  104 , and guard joints  110   b ,  110   c  of the guard  102 . 
     A handle  106  is rotatably connected to the guard  102  about a handle joint  113 , and a first portion of the handle  106  is partially disposed within the guard  102  when the surgical cutting tool  100  is in a neutral position. The handle joint  113  is comprised of a handle joint  113   a  of the handle  106  and of handle joints  113   b ,  113   c  of the guard  102 . 
     A handle  108  is rotatably connected to the guard  104  about a handle joint  112 , and a first portion of the handle  108  is partially disposed within the guard  104  when the surgical cutting tool  100  is in a neutral position. The handle joint  112  is comprised of a handle joint  112   a  of the handle  108  and of handle joints  112   b ,  112   c  of the guard  104 . 
     The axes of rotation of the guard joint  110 , the handle joint  112 , and the handle joint  113  are substantially parallel. 
     Further, a first blade assembly  130   a  is connected to a first end of the handle  108  and a second blade assembly  130   b  is connected to a first end of the handle  106  ( FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C ). 
     A pressure applied by a user to a second portion of the handle  108  and a second portion of the handle  106  results in movement of the second portion of the handle  108  and the second portion of the handle  106  closer together, movement of a first portion of the handle  108  and the first portion of the handle  106  closer together, and movement of the first blade assembly  130   a  and the second blade assembly  130   b  closer together. 
     A guide assembly  116 , comprising a guide  118 , a locator  160 , and a bracket  120 , is connected to the guard  102  and the guard  104 . A bracket fastener  122  and a fastener  155  connect the bracket  120  to the guard  102  and the bracket  120  to the guide  118 , respectively. 
     The surgical cutting tool  100  is used to cut through a ring  200  positioned around the guide  118 . The application of a sufficient force to the second portion of the handle  108  and the second portion of the handle  106 , generally by a user pressing the handle  108  and the handle  106  together, results in the first blade assembly  130   a  and the second blade assembly  130   b  applying a clamping force to cut through the ring  200 . 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of the surgical cutting tool  100  in a neutral position, according to one example, shown without the guard  104  to illustrate components disposed within the guard  104 . 
     At least a portion of a first end of the first blade assembly  130   a  is in contact with at least one of the guide  118  and an inner surface of the guard  104 . A second end of the first blade assembly  130   a  is disposed within the first end of the handle  108 . A first blade spring  138   a  further surrounds a portion of the first blade assembly  130   a , providing a spring pressure between the first blade assembly  130   a  and the handle  108  to maintain contact between the first end of the first blade assembly  130   a  and at least one of the guide  118  and an inner surface of the guard  104 . 
     Disposed within the guard  102  is a first end of the second blade assembly  130   b , the second blade assembly  130   b  is identical to the first blade assembly  130   a  and disposed symmetrically to the first blade assembly  130   a , and is in contact with at least one of the guide  118  and an inner surface of the guard  102 . A second end of the second blade assembly  130   b  is disposed within the first end of the handle  106 . A second blade spring, identical to the first blade spring  138   a , further surrounds a portion of the second blade assembly  130   b , providing a spring pressure between the second blade assembly  130   b  and the handle  106  to maintain contact between the first end of the second blade assembly  130   b  and at least one of the guide  118  and an inner surface of the guard  102 . 
     The surgical cutting tool  100  may have a handle spring  114  connected at a first end to the handle  106 , and connected at a second end to the handle  108 , providing resistance between the handle  106  and the handle  108  as a user squeezes the second portion of the handle  106  and the second portion of the handle  108  together. 
     The bracket  120  is connected at a first end to the guard  102  and connected at a second end to a first end of the guide  118 . The bracket fastener  122  connects the first end of the bracket  120  to the guard  102 . The locator  160  is connected at a first end to the guard  104  ( FIG. 2B ) and connected at a second end to the second end of the guide  118 , the guide  118  being disposed within a slot  164  ( FIG. 10 ) of the locator  160 . A locator pin  162  connects the first end of the locator  160  to the guard  104 , and a latch  170  connected to the locator  160  secures the locator  160  to the guard  104 . The ring  200  is shown in a side view disposed around the guide  118 , and in a position to be cut as a pressure is applied to the second portions of the handle  106  and the handle  108 . 
     A stopper  166  connected to a second portion of at least one of the guard  102  and the guard  104 , is disposed between the guard  102  and the guard  104 , restricting movement of and limiting the amount by which the guard  102  and the guard  104  may pivot about one another. 
     The locator  160  is removable from the guard  104  and also removable from the guide  118 . The second end of the guide  118  is thus exposed, and may then be inserted into (or removed from) the circumference of the ring  200 , prior to connection of the first end of the locator  160  to the guard  104  and the connection of the second end of the guide  118  into the slot  164 . 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of a surgical cutting tool  100  shown in a closed position cutting the ring  200 , according to one example. In contrast to  FIG. 2A , the guard  104  is shown in this view. Pressure applied by a user to the second portion of handle  106  and the second portion of the handle  108  results in rotation of the first portions of the handle  106  and the handle  108 , both initially disposed within the guard  102  and the guard  104 , respectively, compression of the handle spring  114 , and rotation of the guard  102  and the guard  104  relative to one another about the guard joint  110 . As the first portion of the handle  106  and the first portion of the handle  108  rotate in a scissor-like motion and move closer together, the first and the second blade assemblies  130   a ,  130   b  move along a length of the guide  118 , at least partially out of the confines of the guard  104  and the guard  102  to contact and apply a clamping force to the ring  200 , and the second portions of the guard  102  and the guard  104  may each come into contact with the stopper  166 , preventing further rotation of the guard  102  and the guard  104  in one direction about the guard joint  110 . 
     Restriction of rotation of the second ends of the guard  102  and the guard  104  toward each other also limit movement of the first ends of the guard  102  and the guard  104  away from each other and toward the bracket  120  and the locator  160 , respectively. This secures the guide  118  in place to protect a wearer of the ring  200  from a cutting blade  132  of each of the first blade assembly  130   a  and the second blade assembly  130   b , as the first ends of the guard  102  and the guard  104  are only able to move apart by a distance less than the length of the guide  118 , preventing the second end of the guide  118  from sliding out of the slot  164  of the locator  160 . 
       FIG. 2C  is a close up side view of the surgical cutting tool  100  as in  FIG. 2B , according to one example, shown in a closed position applying a clamping force to cut the ring  200 . The guard  104  is omitted to reveal the first blade assembly  130   a  and the first blade spring  138   a  connected to the handle  108  in the closed position. In addition to the latch  170 , the locator pin  162  connects the locator  160  to the guard  104 . The guide  118  is connected to the locator  160  and the bracket  120 , and disposed within the ring  200 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a guard  104 , according to one example. Visible on a first side is a through opening  144  that allows a portion of the handle  106  to be disposed within the through opening  144 , and for a second portion of the handle  106  to be disposed adjacent to a second side of the guard  104 , and the handle  106  is shaped such that a first portion is hinged and disposed within a through opening  146  of the corresponding guard  102 . Further, the guard  104  may have a first portion of the handle  108  substantially disposed within the guard  104 . 
     The guard  104  includes handle joints  112   b ,  112   c  and a guard joint  110   a . The guard joint  110   a  connects to the guard joints  110   b ,  110   c  of the guard  102 , and connects the guard  104  with the guard  102 . The handle joint  112  connects the guard  104  with the handle  108 , with the first portion of the handle  108  disposed substantially within the through opening  144  of the guard  104 , visible from the first side of the guard  104  facing the guard  102  ( FIG. 1 ). A first end of the guard  104  may be shaped to correspond to that of a groove  126  ( FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B ) of the guide  118 , allowing the first end of the guard  104  to be disposed within the groove  126  of the guide  118 . 
       FIG. 3B  is another perspective view of the guard of  FIG. 3A , according to one example. The through opening  144  is open through to a second side, though not necessarily with the same size area on the second side as the through opening  144  is on the first side, the middle portion of the handle  106  is disposed partially within the through opening  144  of the guard  104  to allow the first portion of the handle  106  to connect to the guard  102 , and the second portion of the handle  106  is to be disposed adjacent to the second side and the second end of the guard  104  ( FIG. 2B ). Further, the guard  104  includes an indentation  148  disposed within a second side. The indentation  148  corresponds to the shape of a latch hook  174 , described by  FIG. 11 , that secures the latch  170  to the guard  104 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of a handle  106 , according to one example. The handle  106  includes the handle joint  113   a  that rotatably connects the handle  106  to the guard  102 . The handle  106  may have a shape similar to that of the corresponding handle  108  ( FIG. 6 ) allowing the pair of the handle  106  and the handle  108  to connect to the guard  102  and guard  104 , respectively, and to function in a scissor-like manner within the surgical cutting tool  100 . The first end of the handle  106  has a beam channel  180   b  to connect to the blade beam  134  of the second blade assembly  130   b  and a pin groove  182   b  to connect to the blade pin  136  of the second blade assembly  130   b.    
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a guard  102 , according to one example. Visible on a first side is a through opening  146  that allows the first portion of the handle  106  to be disposed substantially within the guard  102 . 
     The guard  102  includes handle joints  113   b ,  113   c , and guard joints  110   b ,  110   c . The guard joints  110   b ,  110   c  align with and are connected to the guard joint  110   a  of the guard  104 . In one example, the guard joints  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c  may be a pin joint or may comprise notches molded or machined into the guard joints  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c . The handle joint  113   a  of the handle  106  and the handle joints  113   b ,  113   c  of the guard  102  connect the guard  102  with the handle  106 , with the first portion of the handle  106  disposed substantially within the through opening  146 , which is also visible from the first side of the guard  102  facing the guard  104  ( FIG. 2B ), with the second side facing away from the guard  104 . The through opening  146  opens through to the second side, the handle  108  may be disposed partially within the guard  102  to allow the handle joint  112   a  of the first portion of the handle  108  to connect to the handle joints  112   b ,  112   c  of the guard  104 , and the second portion of the handle  108  to be disposed adjacent to the second side of the guard  102  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     A first end of the guard  102  may be shaped to correspond to that of the groove  126  of the guide  118 , allowing the guard  102  to be disposed directly within the groove  126  of the guide  118 . Further, an edge of the second blade assembly  130   b  may also rest against an inner surface of the first end of the guard  102  when the surgical cutting tool  100  is in a neutral position. The second blade assembly  130   b  is in contact with the groove  126  and the guide  118  when a pressure is applied pressing the handle  108  and the handle  106  together, and the first blade assembly  130   a  and the second blade assembly  130   b  move closer together and out of the guard  102  and the guard  104 , respectively. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a handle  108 , according to one example. The handle  108  is rotatably connected to the guard  104  by the handle joint  112   a . The handle  108  may have a shape similar to the corresponding handle  106  ( FIG. 4 ), allowing the pair to function in a scissor-like manner within the surgical cutting tool  100 . 
     At least one of the handle  106  and the handle  108  may be shaped to at least partially accommodate the rotation of the corresponding handle disposed adjacent to it, for example by having a handle notch  142  disposed where the corresponding handle  106  or handle  108  may be positioned and articulates within the handle notch  142 . In one example, the handle  108  includes a handle notch  142  disposed between the handle joint  112   a  and the second end of the handle  108 . 
     Further, similar to the handle  106 , the first end of the handle  108  may have a beam channel, similar to that of beam channel  180   b , to connect to the blade beam  134  of the first blade assembly  130   a , and a pin groove, similar to that of pin groove  182   b , to connect to the blade pin  136  of the first blade assembly  130   a.    
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a blade assembly  130 , which may be either the first blade assembly  130   a  or the second blade assembly  130   b , according to one example. A first edge of the blade assembly  130  may include the cutting blade  132  or part of the cutting blade  132 . A second edge may also include the cutting blade  132  or part of the cutting blade  132 , and a third edge opposite the first edge may include a blade pin  136 . The cutting blade  132  may thus be disposed on a portion of at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the blade assembly  130 . A fourth edge opposite the second edge may include a blade beam  134 . The blade beam  134  may substantially run the length of the fourth edge of the blade assembly  130 , intersecting the second edge of the blade assembly  130 . 
     In one example, the blade beam  134  has a cross-sectional shape of an “I” beam. Further, the blade pin  136  may be disposed within a helical blade spring  138   a  ( FIG. 2A ) such that a spring pressure applied by an edge of the blade assembly  130  against at least one of an inside of the guard  102 , an inside of the guard  104 , the handle  106 , and the handle  108  is a function of the spring force of the blade spring  138   a , and the position of the blade assembly  130  with respect to the guide  118 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a guide  118 , according to one example. The guide  118  comprises a length of material of sufficient stiffness to provide a consistent surface for the guard  102 , the guard  104 , the first blade assembly  130   a , and the second blade assembly  130   b  to slide against and protect a wearer of the ring  200  from harm, such as from the first blade assembly  130   a  and the second blade assembly  130   b  of the surgical cutting tool  100 . The materials of the guide  118  may comprise at least one of metals, plastics, and composites such as carbon fiber and fiberglass. The guide  118  may further comprise a recessed groove  126  to guide the guard  102 , the guard  104 , the first blade assembly  130   a , and the second blade assembly  130   b  along a straight path and further restrict lateral movement of the first blade assembly  130   a  and the second blade assembly  130   b  during operation of the surgical cutting tool  100 . In one example, the groove  126  runs substantially along the length of the guide  118 . In another example, the groove  126  runs along the entire length of the guide  118 . 
       FIG. 8B  is a section view of the guide  118  and the groove  126 , according to one example. The width of the groove  126  is at least that of the cutting blade  132 . The depth of the groove  126  is at least 0.37 mm. In another example, the width of the groove  126  is at least twice that of the cutting blade  132 . In another example, the width of the groove  126  is approximately 2 mm. In another example, the depth of the groove  126  is at least 2 mm. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the bracket  120 , according to one example. The bracket  120  is connected at the first end to the guard  102  and the bracket  120  is connected at the second end to the first end of the guide  118 . The bracket  120  is secured to the guard  102  by the bracket fastener  122  connecting through a bracket mounting hole  156 . The bracket fastener  122  may be one of a variety of types of fasteners, for example, a dowel, a pin, a clip, a screw, or other attachment device. 
     Further, the bracket  120  includes a bracket slot  152  disposed to accommodate the first end of the guide  118  within and to connect the guide  118  to the bracket  120 . A bracket set screw hole  154  is disposed in the bracket  120  in a plane perpendicular to the guide  118 , and to allow the fastener  155  ( FIG. 1 ) to secure the guide  118  to the bracket  120  such that substantially no relative motion is possible between the guide  118  and the bracket  120 . In another example, the guide  118  and the bracket  120  may be formed by one single component, rather than two separate components joined together, avoiding the need for the separate bracket  120 , the bracket slot  152 , the bracket set screw hole  154 , and the fastener  155 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a locator, according to one example. The locator  160  includes a locator mounting hole  165  disposed at the first end and the slot  164  disposed at the second end. The locator  160  is connected at the first end to the guard  104  by the locator pin  162  ( FIG. 2C ) connecting through the locator mounting hole  165 . The locator pin  162  may be one of a variety of types of fasteners, for example, a dowel, a pin, a clip, a screw, or other attachment device. The locator  160  is connected at the second end to the second end of the guide  118 , the second end of the guide  118  being disposed within the slot  164 , and able to slide relative to the locator  160 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a latch  170 , according to one example. The latch  170  is a “V”-shaped rocker including a latch pivot  172  and the latch hook  174 . The latch  170  may be connected to the locator  160  by the latch pivot  172  and a pivot bracket  128  ( FIG. 12 ), allowing the latch  170  to pivot about the locator  160  to engage and disengage the locator  160  from the guard  104  by connecting the latch hook  174  to the latch indentation  148 . The latch  170  secures the locator  160  to the guard  104  by hooking the latch hook  174  into the latch indentation  148  in the guard  104 . The locator  160  is then securely connected to the guard  104 , unless the latch  170  is released from the guard  104 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a pivot bracket  128 , according to one example. The pivot bracket  128  comprises at least one curved surface to connect to the latch pivot  172  of the latch  170 , allowing the latch  170  to pivot. The pivot bracket  128  may be disposed above the first end of the locator  160  such that the axis of rotation between the pivot bracket  128  and the latch  170 , via the latch pivot  172 , is substantially parallel to the axes of rotation of the guard joint  110 , handle joint  112 , and handle joint  113 , with the latch hook  174  of the latch  170  disposed closest to the guard  104 . The pivot bracket  128  may be connected to the locator  160  ( FIG. 2B ) by an adhesive, fastener, or a snap fit. In another example, the pivot bracket  128  and the locator  160  are formed as one component. 
       FIG. 13  is a process diagram for operation of the surgical cutting tool  100 , according to one example. The process diagram includes a sequence of primary processes of a ring removal method S 300  for the surgical cutting tool  100 . The diagram encompasses various operations of the system examples and embodiments described by  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 12 . The ring removal method S 300  includes, in this example, an inserting process S 310 , a connecting guide process S 320 , a connecting guards process S 330 , an optional adjusting process S 340 , a securing process S 350 , and a pressing process S 360 . 
     S 310  represents a process of inserting a guide through a ring worn on a body part such as a finger or toe. 
     S 320  represents a process of connecting the guide to a locator. 
     S 330  represents a process of connecting the guide to one of a first guard and a second guard. 
     S 340  represents a process of adjusting the guide by sliding the guide to a desired position within the locator. S 340  is optional in this example. 
     S 350  represents a process of securing the locator to one of the first guard and the second guard. 
     S 360  represents a process of pressing a first handle and a second handle together to press a first cutting blade and a second cutting blade together to cut the ring. 
     Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present application. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present application is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting on scope, including a scope of the claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernable variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.