Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a tissue-removing element operatively connected to a drive shaft for rotation of the tissue-removing element about an axis of rotation in a cutting direction. A tissue-removing head of the tissue-removing element defines an annular cutting blade. In some embodiments, angularly spaced cutting teeth form the cutting blade. Inner shearing members extend radially inward from the cutting blade. As the tissue-removing element rotates in the cutting direction and advances axially through a body lumen, the annular cutting edge separates the tissue from the body lumen wall. Leading surfaces of the inner shearing members shear the separated tissue radially inwardly. In some embodiments, the tissue-removing element is an integrally formed, one-piece body made by removing material from a blank to form the cutting blade and inner shearing members.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a tissue-removing element operably connected to a drive shaft for rotation of the tissue-removing element about an axis of rotation in a cutting direction. The tissue-removing element is an integrally formed, one-piece body and has an annular tissue-removing head at the distal end of a tissue-removing element body. In some embodiments, primary tissue-removing components include an integrally formed cutting tooth and inner shearing member and are spaced angularly around the tissue-removing blade. Secondary tissue-removing components include cutting teeth and are interposed between the primary tissue-removing components around the tissue-removing blade. The tissue-removing element is made by removing material from a blank to form the primary and secondary tissue-removing components.

Abstract: Drive shafts having helical blades and methods of making are disclosed. In one method a helical auger blade is formed by twisting or sculpting a heated polymer tube which has been placed over a cylindrical drive shaft. In another method a drive shaft is placed within a helical winding and heat is applied to melt polymer which has been coated over one or both of the drive shaft and helical winding.

Abstract: Drive shafts having helical blades and methods of making are disclosed. In one method a helical auger blade is formed by twisting or sculpting a heated polymer tube which has been placed over a cylindrical drive shaft. In another method a drive shaft is placed within a helical winding and heat is applied to melt polymer which has been coated over one or both of the drive shaft and helical winding.

Abstract: Drive shafts having helical blades and methods of making are disclosed. In one method a helical auger blade is formed by twisting or sculpting a heated polymer tube which has been placed over a cylindrical drive shaft. In another method a drive shaft is placed within a helical winding and heat is applied to melt polymer which has been coated over one or both of the drive shaft and helical winding.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a tissue-removing element operably connected to a drive shaft for rotation of the tissue-removing element about an axis of rotation in a cutting direction. The tissue-removing element is an integrally formed, one-piece body and has an annular tissue-removing head at the distal end of a tissue-removing element body. In some embodiments, primary tissue-removing components include an integrally formed cutting tooth and inner shearing member and are spaced angularly around the tissue-removing blade. Secondary tissue-removing components include cutting teeth and are interposed between the primary tissue-removing components around the tissue-removing blade. The tissue-removing element is made by removing material from a blank to form the primary and secondary tissue-removing components.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter includes a tissue-removing element operatively connected to a drive shaft for rotation of the tissue-removing element about an axis of rotation in a cutting direction. A tissue-removing head of the tissue-removing element defines an annular cutting blade. In some embodiments, angularly spaced cutting teeth form the cutting blade. Inner shearing members extend radially inward from the cutting blade. As the tissue-removing element rotates in the cutting direction and advances axially through a body lumen, the annular cutting edge separates the tissue from the body lumen wall. Leading surfaces of the inner shearing members shear the separated tissue radially inwardly. In some embodiments, the tissue-removing element is an integrally formed, one-piece body made by removing material from a blank to form the cutting blade and inner shearing members.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for removing material from (or “debulking”) a body lumen while imaging the region comprised of the material are provided. The catheters can be used in body lumens, including but not limited to intravascular lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries. The catheters include housings or other structures to mount or protect an imaging transducer. Generally, debulking catheters include a proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening, a cutting element which may be exposed through the opening to contact material in a body lumen and an imaging transducer with associated circuitry and display. The catheter debulks a body lumen when it is moved while the cutting element is in contact with the material in the lumen and the region comprised of the material is imaged before, after, or during catheter movement.

Abstract: Drive shafts having helical blades and methods of making are disclosed. In one method a helical auger blade is formed by twisting or sculpting a heated polymer tube which has been placed over a cylindrical drive shaft. In another method a drive shaft is placed within a helical winding and heat is applied to melt polymer which has been coated over one or both of the drive shaft and helical winding.

Abstract: Drive shafts having helical blades and methods of making are disclosed. In one method a helical auger blade is formed by twisting or sculpting a heated polymer tube which has been placed over a cylindrical drive shaft. In another method a drive shaft is placed within a helical winding and heat is applied to melt polymer which has been coated over one or both of the drive shaft and helical winding.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for removing material from (or “debulking”) a body lumen while imaging the region comprised of the material are provided. The catheters can be used in body lumens, including but not limited to intravascular lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries. The catheters include housings or other structures to mount or protect an imaging transducer. Generally, debulking catheters include a proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening, a cutting element which may be exposed through the opening to contact material in a body lumen and an imaging transducer with associated circuitry and display. The catheter debulks a body lumen when it is moved while the cutting element is in contact with the material in the lumen and the region comprised of the material is imaged before, after, or during catheter movement.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for removing material from (or “debulking”) a body lumen while imaging the region comprised of the material are provided. The catheters can be used in body lumens, including but not limited to intravascular lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries. The catheters include housings or other structures to mount or protect an imaging transducer. Generally, debulking catheters include a proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening, a cutting element which may be exposed through the opening to contact material in a body lumen and an imaging transducer with associated circuitry and display. The catheter debulks a body lumen when it is moved while the cutting element is in contact with the material in the lumen and the region comprised of the material is imaged before, after, or during catheter movement.

Abstract: Drive shafts having helical blades and methods of making are disclosed. In one method a helical auger blade is formed by twisting or sculpting a heated polymer tube which has been placed over a cylindrical drive shaft. In another method a drive shaft is placed within a helical winding and heat is applied to melt polymer which has been coated over one or both of the drive shaft and helical winding.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for removing material from (or “debulking”) a body lumen while imaging the region comprised of the material are provided. The catheters can be used in body lumens, including but not limited to intravascular lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries. The catheters include housings or other structures to mount or protect an imaging transducer. Generally, debulking catheters include a proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening, a cutting element which may be exposed through the opening to contact material in a body lumen and an imaging transducer with associated circuitry and display. The catheter debulks a body lumen when it is moved while the cutting element is in contact with the material in the lumen and the region comprised of the material is imaged before, after, or during catheter movement.