Abstract: A system includes a cutting portion, an actuator coupled to the cutting portion for moving the cutting portion, a controller coupled to the actuator, and a sensor in communication with the controller. The sensor senses if tissue contacted by the cutting portion has hardness above a threshold. If the hardness is above the threshold, the controller permits cutting of the tissue and if the hardness is not above the threshold, the controller does not permit cutting of the tissue. Conversely, the system can have a mode of operation in which if the hardness is below the threshold, the controller permits cutting of the tissue and if the hardness is not below the threshold, the controller does not permit cutting of the tissue.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a shaft and an inflatable balloon attached to the shaft, the catheter includes an open sleeve having a proximal end sealingly attached to the catheter shaft and an open distal end. The sleeve surrounds at least part of the balloon. The sleeve and the balloon are arranged such that inflating the balloon expands the sleeve into an expanded state and deflating the balloon when the sleeve is in the expanded state forms an open cavity between the sleeve and the deflated balloon and creates suction to capture and retain debris within the cavity.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a shaft and an inflatable balloon attached to the shaft, the catheter includes an open sleeve having a proximal end sealingly attached to the catheter shaft and an open distal end. The sleeve surrounds at least part of the balloon. The sleeve and the balloon are arranged such that inflating the balloon expands the sleeve into an expanded state and deflating the balloon when the sleeve is in the expanded state forms an open cavity between the sleeve and the deflated balloon and creates suction to capture and retain debris within the cavity.