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 The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens.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.

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: The present invention provides a radially expandable device for use in the occlusion and repair of an undesired dilation in a vessel, such as an aneurysm, while maintaining flow both through the vessel and through branches of the vessel that may be located in proximity to the aneurysm. This is achieved by having a device with a differential pore size, wherein the portion of the device positioned in proximity to the aneurysm is of substantially smaller pore size than that portion of the device positioned away from the aneurysm.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable, rotatable and expandable cutter assembly. 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 comprises a distal cutting head and an adjustable cutting assembly that is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The adjustable cutting assembly is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition. 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.

Abstract: An ablation assembly (10) is disclosed having a drive assembly (16) positioned in a housing (29) and movable along a longitudinal path of motion within the housing. A tubular shaft (30) extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing between the drive assembly and the end of the housing. The drive assembly includes a turbine (22) coupled to an elastomeric plug (19). An aperture (20) extends longitudinally through the elastomeric plug. A tube (15) is attached to a proximal end of a driveshaft (12) and an ablation instrument (11) is coupled to the distal end of the driveshaft. The tube has a sufficient length to be inserted through the tubular shaft until the proximal end of the tube engages the elastomeric plug with an interference fit within the aperture, thereby coupling the driveshaft to the drive assembly.

Abstract: An ablation assembly (10) is disclosed having a drive assembly (16) positioned in a housing (29) and movable along a longitudinal path of motion within the housing. A tubular shaft (30) extends along a longitudinal axis of the housing between the drive assembly and the end of the housing. The drive assembly includes a turbine (22) coupled to an elastomeric plug (19). An aperture (20) extends longitudinally through the elastomeric plug. A tube (15) is attached to a proximal end of a driveshaft (12) and an ablation instrument (11) is coupled to the distal end of the driveshaft. The tube has a sufficient length to be inserted through the tubular shaft until the proximal end of the tube engages the elasomeric plug with an interference fit within the aperture, thereby coupling the driveshaft to the drive assembly.

Abstract: The present silencer dampens the vibrations of various coffee grinders to soften the sound it produces when grinding beans. The present invention may comprise a base and a cap/cover formed from foam rubber which insulates the sound coming from the coffee grinder.

Abstract: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. One composite cutter assembly comprises a distal, fixed diameter cutter and a proximal, adjustable diameter cutter, the cutter assembly being axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The adjustable cutting assembly 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.

Abstract: An atherectomy device is used for removing a restriction in a blood vessel. The atherectomy device includes a cutting portion having a lumen therein, the lumen being sized to track over a guidewire, wherein an outer surface of the cutting portion comprises a cutting surface. An elongate shaping member is cooperable with the cutting portion and is disposed generally longitudinally relative to the cutting portion. The shaping member has an insertion conformation and an expanded conformation. The expanded conformation is radially expanded relative to the insertion conformation. The shaping member is configured to deform the cutting portion from an insertion shape into a cutting shape as the shaping member moves from the insertion conformation to the expanded conformation. A drive shaft is coupled to a proximal end of the cutting portion and is configured to be rotationally driven.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved rotating mechanical, or roional, ablation device wherein one or more diamond plated burrs are attached to a driveshaft, which rotates at high speed driven by an advancer/turbine assembly. The driveshaft is provided with a quick connection/disconnection feature allowing for the easy removal of the burr/driveshaft assembly portion of the device from the advancer turbine assembly portion of the device.

Abstract: The invention is a device for medical applications for differentially cutting abnormal deposits from within a patient's vessels. The device comprises one or more diamond plated burrs or cuffs attached to a flexible drive shaft which rotates at a high speed. The drive shaft is placed over a preformed shaped guidewire so that the drive shaft conforms to the shape of the guidewire, which has been preformed into a gentle "S" or "cork-screw" shape. The guidewire may be rotated at low speed.