A vein stripping device 1 includes a catheter 2 for insertion into a vein 10 to be removed. The catheter 2 has a proximal region 3 adjacent a proximal end 4 of the catheter 2 and a distal region 5 adjacent a distal end 6 of the catheter 2. The catheter 2 is open at the distal end for passage of blood through the catheter from the distal end. The catheter 2 has a plurality of vein grippers 15, 16 at least along the distal region 5 for gripping a length of the vein 10 to the catheter 2. The vein grippers include a plurality of holes and/or gripping features 15, 16 spaced-apart along the wall of the catheter 2.
