Apparatus for formation of a hole in a blood vessel

摘要

An apparatus for forming a non-circular opening in tissue includes an elongate body having a first tissue engaging edge associated with a distal end portion thereof, a punch head disposed adjacent the distal end portion of the elongate body, and defining a second tissue engaging edge associated therewith. The first and second tissue engaging edges each define a general racetrack configuration characterized by first and second opposed straight edge portions interconnected by generally arcuate edge portions. At least one of the first and second tissue engaging edges is adapted to cut tissue. The elongate body and the punch head are adapted for relative movement such that the first and second tissue engaging edges cooperate to cut tissue disposed therebetween to thereby form a general racetrack-shaped opening in tissue.