Patent ID: 6030396
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
In combination: a suture adapted to be attached to a ligated end of a blood vessel and a surgical instrument for invaginate stripping of the blood vessel from the human body, said instrument comprising an elongate tubular body being sufficiently rigid to permit insertion thereof into the lumen of the blood vessel but sufficiently flexible to follow the contours of the lumen and including:a) a distal end having a solid and rounded bullet-shaped tip for facilitating insertion and travel of said tubular body within said lumen;b) perforations through the tubular body proximate the distal end to which said suture is anchored to secure the ligated end of the blood vessel to the tubular body to permit invaginate stripping of the blood vessel, said perforations also sized larger than the suture and communicating with the interior of the tubular body for the delivery of fluid from the interior of the tubular body to the blood vessel to dilate the vessel lumen;whereby constrictions in the blood vessel which would obstruct passage of the invaginated portion of the blood vessel through the blood vessel lumen are dilated by fluid pressure within said blood vessel lumen.