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Method and apparatus for the minimally invasive harvesting of a saphenous vein and the like

  • US 6,022,313 A
  • Filed: 06/29/1998
  • Issued: 02/08/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for harvesting a vein via a minimally invasive incision using an endoscope and an electrically energized tissue dissecting means, comprising:

  • making a minimally invasive incision proximate to the saphenous vein,introducing a guidemember having an axial guide slot, a tubular endoscope lumen, and an integral electrically energized cutting device comprised of a sharpened cutting blade and an electrically conductive metal,inserting an endoscope into the tubular endoscope lumen within said guide member; and

    inserting the vein into the axial guide slot and coaxially oriented to said endoscope lumen within said guide member,advancing the guidemember along the vein.

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