VENOUS CUFF APPLICATOR

摘要

An applicator for applying a strap around a vein at the site of a defective venous valve includes a handle portion (11) and a removable cartridge (13). One end of the strap is anchored on the anvil (60) of the cartridge (13) and the free end is looped around the vein and passed through an opening (71) in the cartridge adjacent to the anvil (60) to overlie the anchored end. The free end of the strap is connected to a strap puller within the cartridge which is coupled to a strap puller extension within the handle (11) when the cartridge (13) is inserted in the handle (11). The perimeter of the loop is adjusted by moving the tensioner (17) on the handle (11). When the perimeter of the loop is at its desired value, the triggers (18) on the handle (11) are pressed to drive a staple through the overlying portion of the strap. A knife within the cartridge (13) cuts excess strap from the loop.