1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a surgical instrument and more specifically it relates to a surgical skin punch apparatus to excise subcutaneous abnormalities and allow for efficient resealing of the skin surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Subcutaneous abnormalities, such as lipomas, cysts, lesions, etc., that desire removal are often surgically removed using various types of tools. Often times, a “free hand” scalpel or a circular-blade punch is used to create a surgical incision in the skin about one-half the size of the tumor or other mass that is desired to be removed. The removal of the tumor through the small incision or punch decreases the size of the resulting scar, but does not eliminate it completely. In addition, when using the “free hand” approach the resulting scar can often times be uneven or appear deformed.
When using a circular-blade punch, one method is to discard of the circular skin fragment and leave the site to heal. However, this method generally results in a larger than necessary scar and may be disfavored by patients. Another method is to replace the circular skin fragment back over the defect.
However, limitations of this technique include the possibility that the circular skin fragment may not heal flush with the surrounding skin and thus result in a depressed or elevated scar, or the possibility that blood will not adequately flow to the replaced circular skin fragment which might lead to necrosis and scarring. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved surgical skin punch apparatus to excise subcutaneous abnormalities and allow for efficient resealing of the skin surface.