Abstract: An embolic cutting catheter includes a catheter body having a passage defined therein and supporting an inflatable balloon on the exterior surface thereof. A generally cylindrical housing is received within the interior passage of the catheter body and supports a rotating cutter head assembly having a conical member defining a spiral groove therein. The conical member is secured to a pair of cylindrical members each having spiral grooves defined therein and an abrasive cylindrical surface is positioned between the cylindrical portions. The spiral grooves of the conical member and cylindrical portions cooperate to carry embolic plaque particles into the region of the abrasive cylinder wherein the particles are pulverized and thereafter carried outwardly from the catheter to be disposed of. The conical cutting head defines a rounded apex to avoid injury to the vessel walls of the patient's artery.

Abstract: An embolic cutting catheter includes an elongated generally cylindrical catheter body having a forward end and an interior passage extending therethrough. An elongated flexible guide wire is received within the interior passage and extends to the forward end. A circular baseplate receives and supports a dome-shaped cutter head and overlying safety guard. The safety guard, cutter head, and baseplate are rotatable as a common unit in response to rotation of the guide wire. In an alternate embodiment, the safety guard is formed of a flexible material and resiliently supported by a resilient guard support situated within a channel formed in the cutter head. In a further alternate embodiment, the safety guard defines a cruciform shape.