Umbilical cord cutting and clamping device

Abstract

An umbilical cord cutting and clamping device includes two clamps abutted in a side-by-side relation and a blade connected to an arm of one of the clamps and positioned between the two clamps. Both clamps have an upper arm and a lower arm, and a hinge coupling the proximal ends of the upper and lower arms. The clamps are held in relative position by frictional engagement and by a latch means which is automatically disengaged when the clamps are moved into a closed position. Both the upper and lower arms include clamping surfaces for clamping the umbilical cord. The proximal end of one of the clamping surfaces is provide with a retention tab which retains the umbilical cord between the clamping surfaces; i.e., the tab prevents the cord from migrating proximally off the clamping surfaces and into the hinge area. The distal portions of the lower arms of the clamps include substantially vertical portions having ratchet surfaces having a plurality of proximally directed teeth which are engaged by a ratchet engagement means at the distal ends of the upper arms. The blade includes a cutting edge which is preferably angled distally downward relative to the upper arms. As the clamps are closed around a section of umbilical cord and clamp the cord, the blade extends between the clamping surfaces and cuts the cord, and the latch means is disengaged. The two clamps are separated from their friction fit while clamping the severed ends of the cord.