A newly devised cutting probe for endoscopic sphincterotomy of the ampulla of vater.

A new diathermy cutting probe for endoscopic sphincterotomy has been devised. This consisted of a standard Teflon catheter with a diathermy wire and a metal-marked long tip. Using an Olympus duodenoscope and this cutting probe, endoscopic sphincterotomy has been successfully performed in 38 out of 40 patients with common bile duct stones without any serious complications. Advantages and clinical results of this instrument are presented.