Abstract: Device and method for performing an atherectomy. The device utilizes a dual lumen catheter, with a guide wire being receivable in one of these lumens, and a flexible, elongated drive shaft carrying an abrasive burr at its distal end being disposed in the other lumen. The drive shaft and abrasive burr each include a central lumen so that they can be advanced over a positioning wire. The positioning wire has a generally straight proximal portion, and a distal end that is slidably secured to the guide wire so that the positioning wire can be moved proximally and distally with respect to the guide wire. The positioning wire also includes a distal end portion with a burr positioning segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo removal of calcified deposits from an aortic valve. The apparatus includes an anchoring balloon catheter fixatable across the aortic valve, a tool for removing the deposits, and attachment means for securing the tool with respect to the anchoring balloon and the aortic valve. The method involves advancing an anchoring balloon catheter through the aorta and positioning it across the aortic valve, inflating the anchoring balloon to fixate it with respect to the aorta and aortic valve, and then operating a deposit removal tool secured to the anchoring balloon to remove the deposits.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging balloon catheter for imaging near a wall of a cavity or passageway. The apparatus includes an elongated catheter having a primary lumen with a distal opening enveloped by the balloon. A pre-shaped ultrasound catheter carrying ultrasound transducer elements can be advanced through the catheter and inserted into the inflated balloon. The shape of the distal portion of the ultrasound catheter positions the ultrasound transducer elements radially outwardly of the catheter lumen, and preferably adjacent to the wall of the balloon, thus centering the image close to the wall of the cavity or passageway, giving greater depth of image at the portion of the wall of interest.