An improved Leather valve cutter for in situ saphenous vein arterial bypass.

The Leather valve cutter allows the in situ saphenous vein below-knee arterial bypass to be used with smaller veins and is faster than previous methods. A persistent problem with the valve cutter, however, is its tendency to separate from the Fogarty catheter as it is being pulled through the saphenous vein. An improved valve cutter which can be easily constructed and prevents accidental dislodgement is described herein. It has been used successfully in six patients without complications.