Methods and devices for stripping blood vessels

A device for removing blood vessels, comprising:

• a semi-rigid rod dimensioned to be passed through a section of a blood vessel, the rod having a first end and a second end, and a flexible thread being secured to the first end of the rod, whereby the rod can be inserted in the blood vessel to pass the thread through the vessel for purposes of stripping the blood vessel;
• a stop element on said thread;
• and,
• wherein said stop element is located at a point spaced from both ends of the thread and provides a stop fixed along thread.

A method for removing from a patient a section of a blood vessel having a predetermined length, the method comprising:

• providing a device for removing a blood vessel, said device comprising a semi-rigid rod, a flexible thread longer than the predetermined length, and a stop element fixed along the thread;
• selecting a blood vessel and making first and second incisions for access to the section of the blood vessel at a first end and a second end;
• inserting said semi-rigid rod into said blood vessel through said first incision and passing the rod through said blood vessel until the thread protrudes from the second incision;
• removing said rod, leaving at least a portion of said thread protruding from each of said first incision and said second incision, with said stop element protruding beyond said second incision;
• securing said thread to said blood vessel at said stop element;
• applying traction to said thread by pulling on said thread at the proximal end from the point of incision, thereby invaginating the vessel from the distal end toward the proximal end;
• and
• continuing to apply said traction until said blood vessel is removed.