BIPOLAR ELECTROCAUTERY VALVULOTOME

摘要

This invention is a bipolar electrocautery valvulotome (10) in the form of an elongated catheter (12) having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end for being held and manipulated by a user, and a distal end. A first electrode (14) is provided adjacent the distal end of a main body of the catheter and has an exposed surface facing distally of the catheter. The first electrode is electrically coupled to a device (18) for generating a current. A second electrode (24) is disposed distally of the first electrode and is also electrically coupled to the current generating device. The second electrode has an exposed surface in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. At least one of the first and second electrodes is movable relative to the other so as to selectively capture a venous valve structure to be cauterized therebetween.