Valvulotome

A valvulotome is a medical device used to destroy the venous valves in especially the great saphenous vein to allow for arterial flow.

Since the leg veins usually contain a number of valves that direct flow towards the heart, they cannot directly be used as graft, but if vein valves are removed the arterial blood can flow via the GSV to the lower leg - this is called an in situ graft procedure, a type of vascular bypass. ^{[1] [2]}

References

1. Donaldson MC1, Mannick JA, Whittemore AD. Femoral-distal bypass with in situ greater saphenous vein. Long-term results using the Mills valvulotome. Ann. Surg. 1991 May;213(5):457-64; discussion 464-5.
2. Dardik H1, Vazquez R, Silvestri F, Ibrahim IM, Sussman B, Kahn M, Wolodiger F. Experience with a new valvulotome for lower-extremity revascularization procedures by the in situ method. Cardiovasc Surg. 1995 Apr;3(2):193-7.