APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISRUPTING VEIN VALVES

摘要

A valvulotome for disrupting valve cusps in the vein of a patient includes a shaft (14) and a cutting member (12) which extends along an axis that defines an axial direction as well as an angular direction. First and second portions of the cutting member define respective cutting edges which extend outwardly of the axis in an angular relationship and an axial relationship with each other. The first and second cutting edges engage and disrupt different cusps of the valve when the shaft is withdrawn axially from the vein. Each of the cutting edges is protected by a proximate shoulder (123) which inhibits the engagement of side branches by the associated cutting edge. The cutting member may be formed as a helical blade, a wire or a cylinder and may be provided with a swivel coupling (158) as well as a sheath (131) operable to cover or expose the cutting member.