Patent ID: 6685716
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An over-the-wire kit for simultaneously cutting a slit in adjacent portions of a first blood vessel and a second blood vessel during a surgical procedure comprising:A. a first guidewire for insertion into a lumen of the first vessel through adjacent portions of sidewalls of the first vessel and the second vessel into a lumen of the second vessel; and B. a wire-guided cutting assembly including: i. a first elongated element extending along a first axis between a proximal end and a distal end, ii. a second elongated element extending along a second axis between a proximal end and a distal end, iii. a coupler for coupling said first elongated element to said second elongated element whereby said first axis substantially intersects said second axis, and whereby said distal end of said first elongated element is movable with respect to said distal end of said second elongated element about an axis orthogonal to said first axis and said second axis, and iv. a tissue cutting assembly disposed between said first and second elongated elements, wherein at least one of said first and second elongated elements includes a passage-defining element permitting passage therethrough of said first guidewire, wherein at least one of said first and second elongated elements is flexible at least near said distal end, and wherein said tissue cutting assembly includes: a blade at a point of coupling of said first and second elongated elements, wherein said blade faces away from said point of coupling.