Valvulotome and method of using

摘要

A valvulotome for disrupting vein valves in in-situ procedures, and for distrupting the vein valves in vein segments to be used in CABG procedures. The valvulotome includes an elongate blade mounting member and a thin, scythe-shaped cutting blade. The cutting blade is mounted relative to the blade mounting member such that the plane defined by the blade lies on the axis defined by the blade mounting member. The cutting blade has a fixed end, a free end, a cutting edge and a blunt back edge. The fixed end is fixedly attached to a distal portion of the blade mounting member. The sharpened edge faces towards the blade mounting member, which protects the vein from the sharpened edge. The sharpened edge arcs outwards and proximally from the distal portion of the blade mounting member, and terminates in a proximal portion, spaced from the blade mounting member. The blunt back edge is opposite the sharpened edge, facing the vein. The free end is opposite the fixed end and connects the blunt back edge to the proximal portion of the sharpened edge. The free end including a blunt proximal-facing portion that forms a continuation of the blunt back edge.