Device and method for extracting tubular structures

Abstract

A device and method for extracting tubular structures are provided. An incision is made at a proximate and at a distal end of a tubular structure. An extracting device is inserted into and passed through a tubular structure until the operational head of the device extends past the distal incision. An actuator on the handle of the device is actuated, longitudinally extending the operational head of the device. The edge of a tubular structure is positioned axially in the mouth of a hook wire on the operational head. The actuator on the handle is released and the hook wire engages and captures the tubular structure. The user manually pulls the tubular structure, invaginating and removing it.

1 . A device for extracting a tubular structure from tissue, the device comprising:
 a handle having an actuator;   an elongate body with a first end coupled to and extending from the handle, the elongate body having a channel extending therethrough; and   an operational head disposed at a second end of the elongate body, the operational head being longitudinally movable between a neutral position and an actuated position;   wherein the actuator is operatively coupled to the operational head and configured to actuate longitudinal movement of the operational head relative to the second end of the elongate body.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the operational head is coupled to the actuator and configured for longitudinal movement relative to the second end of the elongate body without movement laterally or radially outward relative to the second end of the elongate body. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the operational head is resiliently biased such that the operational head retracts upon release of the actuator. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the operational head is configured for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is configured as a plunger for extending the operational head upon actuation. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body is sized for insertion into a tubular structure to be removed. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the operational head comprises an end cap and hook wire, wherein the end cap and elongate body cooperate to enclose the hook wire when the operational head is in a retracted position. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the operational head comprises a hook wire having a forwardly-extending member and a rearwardly-extending member coupled by an elbow, wherein the rearwardly-extending member is configured to puncture and/or engage a wall of a tubular structure to be removed. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a light positioned to illuminate the operational head and/or a portion of the elongate member. 
     
     
         10 . A method for extracting a tubular structure utilizing the device of  claim 1 , the method comprising the steps of;
 exposing and cutting a proximal end of the tubular structure,   exposing and cutting a distal end of the tubular structure,   inserting the device of  claim 1  into the proximal end of the tubular structure until the operational head is proximate the distal end of the tubular structure,   actuating the actuator to extend the operational head forward;   engaging and securing the distal end of the tubular structure; and   removing the device to invaginate the tubular structure.   
     
     
         11 . A device for removing a blood vessel from a tissue, the device comprising:
 a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;   a handle operatively coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, the handle including an actuator; and   an operational head disposed at the distal end of the shaft, the operational head being operatively coupled to the actuator and configured for forward movement relative to the distal end of the shaft upon actuation of the actuator.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head is operatively coupled to the actuator and configured for forward movement relative to the distal end of the shaft without movement laterally or radially outward upon actuation of the actuator. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head is resiliently biased such that the operational head retracts upon release of the actuator 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head comprises a resilient hook member. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the operational head comprises a tip disposed over a portion of the resilient hook member 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head comprises a resilient, non-deformable hook member. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head comprises a hook member having a distally-extending member and a proximally-extending member coupled by an elbow. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the proximally-extending member includes a tip configured to engage a vein when the operational head is in an extended position. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the hook member is disposed within the distal end of the shaft when the operational head is in a retracted position. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head comprises a single hook member. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the shaft is sized for insertion into a blood vessel to be removed. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the shaft is configured to include a bend of about 10 degrees adjacent the proximal end. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the shaft is configured to include a bend of about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees adjacent the proximal end. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the shaft is approximately circular in cross section and the distal end of the shaft is approximately oblong is cross section. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the operational head is retractable. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the handle includes a gripping member and the actuation member is configured as a plunger. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the gripping member includes a pair of outwardly extending members configured for engagement by a user's index finger and middle finger and the actuation member is configured for actuation by the user's thumb. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the handle and actuation member are configured to be actuated like a syringe. 
     
     
         29 . A method for removing a blood vessel from a tissue, the method comprising:
 exposing and cutting a proximal end of the blood vessel;   exposing and cutting a distal end of the blood vessel;   inserting an extraction device into the proximal end of the blood vessel, the extraction device having:
 a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; 
 a handle operatively coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, the handle including an actuator; and 
 an operational head disposed at the distal end of the shaft, the operational head including a hook member operatively coupled to the actuator and configured for forward movement relative to the distal end of the shaft upon actuation of the actuator; 
   positioning the extraction device such that the operational head is proximate the distal end of the blood vessel;   actuating the actuator to extend the operational head forward without extending the operational head laterally or radially outward;   engaging and securing the distal end of the blood vessel; and   removing the extraction device to remove the blood vessel.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein engaging and securing the distal end of the blood vessel includes releasing the actuator, thereby retracting the operational head of the extraction device.