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Method for using detachable tip valvulotome

  • US 5,352,232 A
  • Filed: 09/10/1993
  • Issued: 10/04/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for cutting venous valves in-situ within a vein, comprising the steps of:

  • making an entry opening into the vein;

    connecting a first cutting head having first and second cutting blades and a proximal segment having a plurality of portions to a pushing member by;

    urging the blades toward each other to cause the portions to move away from each other;

    advancing the cutting head onto the pushing member;

    releasing the blades to permit the blades to move away from each other, thereby causing the portions of the cutting head to engage the pushing member;

    operably engaging the pushing member with an optical scope;

    advancing the pushing member into the vein through the opening in a direction opposite to normal venous blood flow to cut the venous valves with the cutting head and to generate an image of the inside of the vein;

    removing the pushing member from the vein;

    disconnecting the first cutting head from the pushing member without substantially damaging the first cutting head and pushing member; and

    connecting a second cutting head to the pushing member without substantially damaging the second cutting head and pushing member.

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