Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits for removing material from a body lumen. The devices and methods may be used in a variety of body lumens, including but not limited to coronary arteries and other blood vessels. In general, the device or catheter has a scoop-shaped cutting blade mounted on a catheter body for removing material from a body lumen. The cutting blade has a cutting edge that travels a curved path about a pivot point of the blade, preferably moving in an outward direction from the catheter body to engage the target material for removal. The scoop-shaped blade has a collection surface located behind the cutting edge to collect material removed from said body lumen. Advantageously, a scoop-shaped cutting blade according to the present invention facilitates material engagement and the collection surface may be used to bring material back into the catheter body as the blade begins to part-off material.

Abstract: Catheters, kits, and methods are provided for removing material from a body lumen. The catheters and methods may be used in a variety of body lumens, including but not limited to coronary and other arteries. In general, the catheter has a cutting element that cuts material while the material is engaged by a material capture device on the catheter body. Preferably, the material capture device tensions the material during cutting, which reduces the amount of cutting force required. The material capture device typically follows a path that draws material into the catheter body. Preferably, but not necessarily, the material capture device may be arranged on the catheter body to advance along a path outwardly from the catheter body into the material and then inwardly towards the catheter body to tension the material. The cutting element on the catheter body moves between a first position and a second position to cut the material while in tension.

Abstract: Catheters, kits, and methods are provided for removing material from a body lumen. The catheters and methods may be used in a variety of body lumens, including but not limited to coronary and other arteries. In general, the catheter has a cutting element that cuts material while the material is engaged by a material capture device on the catheter body. Preferably, the material capture device tensions the material during cutting, which reduces the amount of cutting force required. The material capture device typically follows a path that draws material into the catheter body. Preferably, but not necessarily, the material capture device may be arranged on the catheter body to advance along a path outwardly from the catheter body into the material and then inwardly towards the catheter body to tension the material. The cutting element on the catheter body moves between a first position and a second position to cut the material while in tension.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits for removing material from a body lumen. The devices and methods may be used in a variety of body lumens, including but not limited to coronary arteries and other blood vessels. In general, the device or catheter has a scoop-shaped cutting blade mounted on a catheter body for removing material from a body lumen. The cutting blade has a cutting edge that travels a curved path about a pivot point of the blade, preferably moving in an outward direction from the catheter body to engage the target material for removal. The scoop-shaped blade has a collection surface located behind the cutting edge to collect material removed from said body lumen.. Advantageously, a scoop-shaped cutting blade according to the present invention facilitates material engagement and the collection surface may be used to bring material back into the catheter body as the blade begins to part-off material.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a tubular body wherein at least a portion of the tubular body includes a helical reinforcement element. Both the tubular body and the helical reinforcement element are composed of polymeric materials, and the reinforcement element is fused to the material of the tubular by applying heat and radially constrictive pressure. In this way, a helical reinforcement element providing significant hoop strength can be embedded within the tubular body with decreased risk of delamination. Optionally, an axial reinforcement element may be embedded within the tubular body between the helical reinforcement element and an outer portion of the tubular body matrix.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a catheter body having an elastomeric balloon at its distal end. The balloon has a small diameter vent hole disposed near its distal end. The balloon catheter may be prepared by flushing an inflation lumen and the interior of the balloon with a suitable liquid flushing medium, where the balloon is inflated by the flushing medium beginning at its proximal end and moving toward its distal end.

Abstract: A steerable catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity. The tubular member has a lumen extending therethrough. A mandrel is slidably mounted in the lumen and extends into the distal extremity. A pull wire extends through the tubular member for causing bending of the distal extremity with respect to the mandrel disposed therein.

Abstract: A steerable catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity. The tubular member has a lumen extending therethrough. A mandrel is slidably mounted in the lumen and extends into the distal extremity. A pull wire extends through the tubular member for causing bending of the distal extremity with respect to the mandrel disposed therein.