Abstract: A dilation catheter for reopening blood vessels includes an electrical motor drive and is insertable through vessels leading to a constriction point and has a working head for widening the vessel constriction. Catheters rotating slowly with up to 500 rpms are known, which because of the geometry of their head crowd soft material blocking vessels towards the sides. The present dilation catheter with motor drive is distinguished by an electric, battery-powered motor with motor gear box, by a spindle supported in a front bearing package with seal and a rear bearing package with seal, a junction point for the dilation catheter is located one end of the spindle, force is transmitted from the motor to the spindle, and a metal housing holding the spindle, motor and battery is shaped for gripping, holding and handling by a half-closed hand of a surgeon between the row of fingers and the thumb. The housing is kept gas-tight up to 130.degree. C.