Patent ID: 6488693
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for creating a vascular incision comprising:a body; a rod movable relative to the body and having a proximal end and a distal end; a surgical element disposed at the distal end of the rod, wherein the rod and surgical element are movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein the rod and surgical element are biased in the retracted position; an actuator coupled to at least one finger which engages the proximal end of the rod, wherein activation of the actuator advances the surgical element from the retracted position to the deployed position; and a ramp on the body to engage the finger as the rod and surgical element move to the deployed position, wherein the ramp disengages the finger from the proximal end of the rod to allow the surgical element to move to the retracted position.