Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument for treating varicose veins, the instrument comprising: an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis and configured to be manually moved in a forward direction and a rearward direction through a portion of soft tissue. The instrument further comprises at least two teeth projecting substantially on a first plane from the elongate shaft, the at least two teeth respectively having a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface. The forward facing surface is angularly configured to allow substantially atraumatic passage through a tissue portion when the instrument is moved in a forward direction. The rearward facing surface is angularly configured to cause substantially traumatic passage through a tissue portion when the instrument is moved in a rearward direction.