A RF valvulotome and method of use is described. The valvulotome comprises an elongated, flexible polymeric tube or rod supporting a pair of paddle members at its distal end, the paddle members defining opposed facing surfaces having a gap therebetween. A pattern of metallization, comprising electrodes, are formed on the opposed facing surfaces and means are provided for applying RF energy between the electrodes after the instrument has been introduced into a vein and advanced to the point where the cusp of a vein valve is disposed in the gap. In a preferred embodiment, the paddles are movable toward and away from the center of the instrument and may incorporate a flushing lumen through which saline may be injected for effecting valve closure and facilitating placement of the paddle members within the pockets defining the valve. An optical-fiber bundle may also be passed through the lumen of the instrument to facilitate viewing of the internal vein structure as the catheter is being advanced.

A bipolar electrocautery valvulotome in the form of an elongated catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end for being held and manipulated by a user, and a distal end. A first electrode is provided adjacent the distal end of a main body of the catheter and has an exposed surface facing distally of the catheter. The first electrode is electrically coupled to device for generating a current. A second electrode is disposed distally of the first electrode and is also electrically coupled to the current generating device. The second electrode has an exposed surface in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. At least one of the first and second electrodes is movable relative to the other so as to selectively capture a venous valve structure to be cauterized therebetween.

A data storage device includes a plurality of data disks for storing data in units of data blocks and a parity disk for storing parity data used for restoring data to the data disks. Data blocks on the respective data disks are managed with respect to whether each data block is used for data storage and managed with respect to whether data of each data block is used for computing parity. Each data block which is not used for data storage and is used for computing parity is detected. The parity data are updated based on data in the detected data blocks and the parity data stored to the parity disk corresponding to the detected data blocks.

A valvulotome for disrupting a valve in a vein includes an elongate control member and a cutting head disposed at the distal end of the control member. The cutting head includes an elongate section extending generally along the length of the cutting head and a return section extending beside the elongate section also along the length of the cutting head. A cutting section included in the cutting head extends between the elongate section and the return section at a particular angle to the length of the control member. Portions of this cutting section form a proximally facing cutting edge for disrupting the valve. The valvulotome can be used with an endoscope in a method wherein the cutting head is tied to the endoscope with a suture, or a method wherein the valvulotome is back-loaded into the working channel of the endoscope.

A device and method for treating a vein to improve its structural integrity. Heating the vein causes at least a portion of the cross links of the collagen in the vein to unlink/open and subsequently form new cross links after the collagen fibers have realigned. The procedure produces a vein that is less flaccid and more resilient. The lumen can have a larger diameter and a shaped smoother inner surface.