Electronic cuspotome and method of using the same

A novel cuspotome comprised of a long, slender arm having a substantially transverse hook section which terminates at a rounded bulbous end is presented. A sharp knife edge, which faces inwardly of the hook section is adjacent to the bulbous end. With the exception of the lower inner arm of the knife edge and inner part of the bulbous end, the entire cuspotome is coated with an electrically insulative material, preferably a fluoropolymeric material. In accordance with the technique of the present invention, after insertion into a vein and positioned adjacent a venous valve, the novel cuspotome is provided with very short, pulsed exposures of adequate wattage to instantaneously divide the cusp. The present invention is particularly well suited for removing valves of the autograft or allograft saphenous vein for bypass of arterial obliterative disease.