Methods and devices for visualizing, dissecting and harvesting vessels and the like

摘要

A device useful in minimally-invasive procedures involving the visualization, dissection and/or harvesting of vessels in the body includes a shaft having a handle mounted on one end and a dissecting tip on the other end. The dissecting tip optionally includes a light source for directing light transverse of the tip and structures to retain the tip in position adjacent the vessel as the tip is advanced along the vessel. Also disclosed are associated methods for transilluminating a vessel, dissecting the vessel from surrounding tissue, and transecting the vessel and side branches and removing the vessel from the body.