Patents Examined by Henry P. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6818001
    Abstract: The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. The cutter assembly is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. One cutter assembly comprises an adjustable cutter that is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition by rotation of the drive shaft in opposite directions. The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens. The adjustable cutting assembly may be selectively expanded at the material removal site to facilitate cutting, removal and aspiration of the occlusive material. One composite cutter assembly comprises both a distal, fixed diameter cutter and a proximal adjustable diameter cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Pathway Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward I. Wulfman, Thomas J. Clement, Craig E. Lawson, David C. Auth