Ethicon PSX 1 Proximate Skin Staple Extractor 1/EA

Ethicon PSX 1 Proximate Skin Staple Extractor 

• Model: PSX

The Ethicon PSX Proximate Skin Staple Extractor is a purpose‑built surgical tool designed to extract skin staples placed with the Ethicon PROXIMATE brand of skin staplers. Unlike simple “pullers” that may drag or distort staple legs, the PSX applies gentle expansion of the staple legs before lifting, which helps minimize trauma at the staple site and reduces patient discomfort. Using the device, the lower jaw is slid beneath the staple in the slot, and squeezing the handles causes the jaws to spread the legs outward; once fully opened, the staple is safely lifted from the skin without undue shearing force.

Because it is designed for single‑patient use and comes sterile, the PSX extractor fits easily into sterile surgical or wound‑care workflows without the need for reprocessing. After use, the device is disposed of according to standard sharps/biomedical waste protocols. Its stainless steel construction provides sufficient rigidity and precision in handling even small or delicate staples. A safety cap may be provided in packaging to protect the jaws prior to use.

One important practical note is that the PSX (and all Proximate extractors) were subject to a recall (for compromised sterility) under the “PSX Proximate Skin Staple Extractors, all lots” in 2012 by Ethicon / Johnson & Johnson. Thus, in clinical settings it is essential to verify that any PSX extractor being used is not from recalled stock, and that sterility integrity is assured before use. Despite that, the extractor remains a standard tool for staple removal in systems using Ethicon’s PROXIMATE line, facilitating smooth, efficient, and lower‑trauma staple removal in postoperative wound care.