Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable and rotatable cutter assembly designed for differential cutting. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the body cavity of a mammalian subject. One embodiment of the cutter assembly comprises a cutter with blades that are designed and arranged to form an acute blade angle of attack with the matter-to-be-removed. The cutter assembly is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The occlusive material is scraped by the cutter assembly and may be aspirated to remove the material from the body cavity. The cutter assembly may provide aspiration ports positioned between facing surfaces of the blades.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly comprises an operating head for removing obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity and at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head and penetrating the catheter assembly, the aspiration port being in communication with a sealed lumen that communicates with a vacuum system for withdrawing aspirate fluid and obstructive material from the target site. A rotatable member is positioned inside the catheter assembly at the site of the aspiration port and rotates during operation of the vacuum system. The rotatable member is provided with at least one upstanding bar that is sized to cooperate with the walls of the aspiration port and the inner surface of the catheter assembly to macerate debris that is drawn into the aspiration port.

Abstract: A rotatable operating head for removal of obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity is operably connected to a rotatable, translatable drive shaft, that is driven by a drive motor and received through an elongated catheter. The operating head includes a plurality of differential cutting blades, with at least one of the cutting blades being a stepped blade, the stepped blade comprising a raised cutting surface positioned adjacent, or in proximity to, a shoulder region.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly comprising a catheter for insertion and guidance to a target site in a body lumen or a cavity and an operating head mounted in proximity to a distal end of the catheter and comprising a system for removing obstructive material from the target site is provided. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly includes at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head that communicates with a first sealed lumen for withdrawing fluids and obstructive material from the target site, together with at least one liquid infusion port penetrating the catheter and located proximal to the at least one aspiration port that communicates with a second sealed lumen for supplying fluid to a location in proximity to the target site.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable and rotatable cutter assembly designed for differential cutting. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the body cavity of a mammalian subject. One embodiment of the cutter assembly includes a cutter with blades that are designed and arranged to form an acute blade angle of attack with the matter-to-be-removed. The cutter assembly is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The occlusive material is scraped by the cutter assembly and may be aspirated to remove the material from the body cavity. The cutter assembly may provide aspiration ports positioned between facing surfaces of the blades.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly has an operating head [400] and catheter system [300] that are inserted and navigated within a patient's body while an operator controls the system externally of the operating head. Fluidic communication is provided between the operating head and the external system controls, and rotation is provided to the operating head by means of an external drive system. Numerous system controls are provided, along with various operating systems, sealing assemblies, actuators, torque transfer systems, and the like are provided. Some systems and controls are provided in a control pod [200] and some controls, as well as displays, are provided in a console unit [100].

Abstract: A sealing assembly hinders or prevents air or other fluid from seeping between various components of a medical device by use of a liquid seal. An infusion port is for introducing a sealing liquid to immerse a flood space between a liner that surrounds a torque tube and/or within the torque tube, thereby creating a liquid seal around the torque tube and lubricating the torque tube. The length of the liner and the cross sectional space of the flood space are adjusted to control flow rate. An aspiration port may force suction pressure into a lumen extending along the length of the medical device in a distal direction. The liquid seal also prevents diluting of the suction pressure by stopping ingress of air.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly has an operating head [400] and catheter system [300] that are inserted and navigated within a patient's body while an operator controls the system externally of the operating head. Fluidic communication is provided between the operating head and the external system controls, and rotation is provided to the operating head by means of an external drive system. Numerous system controls are provided, along with various operating systems, sealing assemblies, actuators, torque transfer systems, and the like are provided. Some systems and controls are provided in a control pod [200] and some controls, as well as displays, are provided in a console unit [100].

Abstract: A bearing system useful in an intracorporeal device connects an operating head, a rotatable drive shaft and a catheter. The bearing system includes a static member in fixed communication with the distal end of the catheter, an interior shaft that is in rotatable communication with the drive shaft and the operating head, and at least one connecting structure. The static member has at least one opening through which the connecting structure moveably rests against a seat of the interior shaft. The position of the connecting structure within the seat enables the bearing to accept a rotational load of the rotating drive shaft and/or thrust load in the direction of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The connecting structure further retains the internal shaft and static member of the bearing system.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable and rotatable cutter assembly designed for differential cutting. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the body cavity of a mammalian subject. One embodiment of the cutter assembly comprises a cutter with blades that are designed and arranged to form an acute blade angle of attack with the matter-to-be-removed. The cutter assembly is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The occlusive material is scraped by the cutter assembly and may be aspirated to remove the material from the body cavity. The cutter assembly may provide aspiration ports positioned between facing surfaces of the blades.

Abstract: A system for ablating material in vein grafts includes an ablation burr that is rotated by a driveshaft. The ablation burr preferably includes one or more channels, blades or other mechanisms that direct ablated material and liquid proximally and/or outwardly against a vessel wall. Aspiration is used to remove ablated material and liquid from the treatment area. Finally, methods for treating vein grafts and original native arteries are disclosed.