Abstract:
Veins are removed using a pull catheter introduced over a guidewire which extends between first and second percutaneous access points. Optionally, a side branch management tool including an excision device and/or a viewing scope can be advanced over the same guidewire in the direction opposite to that of the pull catheter. In that way, as the pull catheter inverts the vein being removed, side branches can be selectively viewed and/or severed using the side branch management tool. Arteriovenous fistulas are formed by inverting a length of a vein, mobilizing the inverted length relocating the mobilized end of the vein, and connecting the mobilized end to an artery.