A method for removing a vein includes making an incision through a skin
layer of a patient, inserting a surgical instrument through the incision,
visualizing the vein through the skin layer using a light source
positioned subcutaneously and in proximity of the vein, and cutting the
vein using the surgical instrument. The vein can be visualized by
directing light from the light source at the vein from underneath the
vein or from a side of the vein. A device for illuminating a body
structure has a housing with a distal end configured for subcutaneous
insertion into a patient's tissue and positioning in proximity of the
body structure, a light path supported by the housing and configured for
directing light at the body structure, and a fluid lane supported by the
housing.