Abstract: An adjustable intraluminal valvulotome comprises a hollow tubular member and a pair of substantially identical, opposed cutting blades provided at the distal end of the tubular member. Each of the cutting blades has a first cutting blade at its trailing edge and a second cutting blade at one side generally transverse to the first cutting blade. The outer faces of the cutting blades have a complex convex surface. The cutting blades are movable between an extended position and a retracted postion with respect to the distal end of the tubular member and between an open position in which the cutting blades are spaced apart from each other and a closed position in which said cutting blades are drawn tightly against each other, by the operation of a pair of spring wires respectively attached to the cutting blades and slidable within the tubular member. The distal end of the tubular member is provided with a receptacle for receiving the first cutting edges of the cutting blades in the retracted position.

Abstract: An adjustable intraluminal valvulotome including a hollow tubular member in which is slidably disposed a control wire. First and second spring wire elements respectively interconnect first and second cutting blades having first and second perpendicular cutting edges to one end of the control wire. There is a handle member proximate the other end of the control wire for controlling longitudinal movement of the control wire in and out of the tubular member. The handle member enables the first and second cutting blades to move from a first extended cutting position to a second retracted position. A receptacle at the distal end of the tubular member restrains the cutting blades in a fully retracted non-cutting position and prevents their engagement with the vein or valves. A method of using a valvulotome to rupture and render inoperative the valves is also disclosed.