Abstract: A radially non-deformable surgical access catheter with a central lumen surrounded by plural peripheral lumens, the lumens being rigidly connected to each other to provide axial stiffness for the catheter as well as rotational stiffness for the catheter so that the catheter may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to place the instruments in any of the peripheral lumens into operational proximity to preselected tissue. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endarterectomy instrument and method for the treatment of alterosclerosis including a loop and a handle formed from a single strand of wire, the wire of the handle being twisted together to increase the rigidity thereof, but being sufficiently flexible to avoid perforation of the outer layer of the vessel. The angle and shape of the loop may be varied to fit the vessel. In some embodiments, the loop may be compressible to facilitate insertion through a small diameter lumen of a catheter.