Abstract: A tissue cutting system that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The system includes a tissue cutting device and a bi-directionally manipulable foot actuator assembly that is operatively connected to the tissue cutting device. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A vacuum generator is in fluid communication with the inner cannula lumen. When the footswitch is manipulated in a first direction, the vacuum generator generates a vacuum level in the inner cannula lumen. When the footswitch is manipulated in a second direction, the inner cutting cannula is enabled for reciprocation upon manipulating the footswitch in the first direction.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The inner cannula reciprocates at a rate that is greater than 1000 reciprocations per minute, and variable aspiration may also be provided to the device to control tissue traction and provide fine shaving and debulking.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The handpiece includes a proximal section that is angled with respect to a distal section.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The outer and inner cannulae are offset from the motor and drive assembly, and the center of gravity of the device is in the forward part of the device, providing an ergonomic design that is particularly suited for neurosurgical applications.

Abstract: Various cutting devices and systems are described that excise and/or incise tissue from a target site. For example, the wall of an artery and/or adventitial to the artery wall from inside the artery. According to embodiments of the invention, a lateral incision catheter device configured to be introduced intra-luminally to a pre-selected site in the body is provided, generally including a rotating first catheter, including a proximal end, a distal end and lumen positioned therebetween; a first shell to a first rotating catheter and having a cutting surface; a second shell attached to a second catheter, whereby rotation of the first rotating catheter causes the first shell to rotate with respect to the second shell so as to permit the cutting surface to cut tissue at the pre-selected site.

Abstract: Sensing arrangements for a handpiece sense suction pressure or fluid flow within a suction path to determine the position of a movable cutting element relative to a fixed cutting element of a cutting accessory. A controller calculates actual speed of the movable cutting element from measured pressure or measured fluid flow. The cutting elements have openings that, when aligned, form a window. The controller controls power to a motor that drives the cutting element. When the handpiece is deactivated, the controller stops the movable cutting element at a predetermined position to close or partially close the window. The controller controls the cutting speed in view of joint pressure combined with suction pressure, or in view of fluid flow through the suction path, to maintain an optimal fluid flow rate that enhances the cutting action of the cutting accessory. Pressure or flow sensors may detect a clog in the suction path.

Abstract: A debulking catheter comprising a tissue debulking assembly for removing a contiguous strand of material from a body lumen. Catheters of the present invention generally include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions and a tissue debulking assembly disposed at least partially within the distal portion. The tissue debulking assembly is radially movable to expose at least a portion of the assembly through a window on the catheter body. The catheter is advanced transluminally through the body lumen to contact material in the body lumen and remove a plane of contiguous material that has a length that is typically longer than a length of the window on the catheter. The contiguous material may be directed into a collection chamber. Thereafter, the material may be removed from the collection chamber and preserved or tested.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drive shaft for a surgical handpiece including a first prong and a second prong, wherein the first prong and the second prong are asymmetric. A surgical handpiece and a method of coupling a surgical handpiece and a cutting tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A debrider apparatus is disclosed. The debrider includes a first tubular member that is adapted to connect to a first potential of an electrosurgical generator. A second tubular member is at least partially disposed within the first tubular member and is adapted to connect to a second potential of the electrosurgical generator. At least one tubular member is selectively movable relative to the other. A first set of teeth is disposed around at least a portion of a distal periphery of the first tubular member. A second set of teeth is disposed around at least a portion of a distal periphery of the second tubular member. At least one switch is operably coupled to at least one of the tubular members and activates movement of one tubular member and supplies respective electrical potentials to the tubular members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a hollow tube (18) having a cutting window (16) at the distal end portion. An inner tube (15) is disposed within the tube (18) and is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis. A cutting tool (17) is located at the distal end of the tube (15), and is positioned adjacent to the cutting window (16). An outer tube (14) is provided over the tube (18). A motor (5) is provided for rotating the inner tube (15), and saline is fed to the cutting window (16) via a passageway (25) between the tubes (15) and (18). The inner tube (15) has a central lumen (24) through which tissue cut by the cutting tool (17) is removed under the action of a source of suction (12). The outer surface of the tube 18 is covered with an electrically insulating layer (22) and coagulating RF signals are supplied between the tube (18) and the outer tube (14) so as to coagulate tissue at the cutting window (16).

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: Disclosed herein is an endoscopic surgical assembly having improved cutting efficiency. In particular, the present invention provides an endoscopic shaver assembly configured for automated axial as well as rotational motion so as to enhance tissue resection.

Abstract: A guide wire for assisting in implantation and balancing of an orbital atherectomy device is disclosed. The guide wire is generally configured to be received within a driveshaft and cutting region of the orbital atherectomy device. The guide wire is sufficiently flexible to minimize trauma to the vessel walls is positioned within a patient. The distal end of the guide wire can include on or more weighted elements movable along the distal region of the guide wire to permit the balancing of an a rotating drive shaft and cutting region of an orbital atherectomy device. The guide wire can also include an atraumatic tip located on the end of the guide wire to reduce trauma to the vessels during implantation. Lubricious coatings are also provided to reduce friction between the driveshaft and cutting region of the atherectomy device and guide wire.

Abstract: A drill is used on a jaw bone with overlying soft tissue and underlying, more solid bone. The drill comprises a first portion which is provided with one or more first cutting edges and with a first width or diameter. Arranged behind the first portion there is a second portion which is provided with one or more second cutting edges and with a second diameter exceeding the first width or diameter. The first portion can cooperate with soft tissues to form an initial hole, and the second portion can cooperate with the soft tissue and the more solid bone in order to enlarge said hole and create a countersunk hole in the more solid bone. The first portion is also depicted to cooperate with the more solid bone, during the second portion's formation of the countersunk hole, in order to provide a guidance hole or marker hole in the bottom of the countersink.

Abstract: A portable and disposable device is provided for processing harvested dermal tissue. The device includes a housing presenting a handle having a gripping surface and a cutting head attached to the handle. A cutting assembly is supported by the cutting head and includes a plurality of spaced cutting blades that are rotatable with respect to the housing. A receptacle is disposed downstream of the cutting assembly and receives the sliced tissue from the cutting blades. The device is thus operable to slice harvested tissue into strips, and further into fine particles, that can be used for transplantation onto a wound site.

Abstract: A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member. The flexible region comprises a cut having convoluted path areas formed through a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The convoluted path areas are rotationally spaced on the tubular body in alternating sequence with connecting path segments of the cut. The cut follows a convoluted path in the convoluted path areas forming the wall of the tubular body into a pair of complementary, mating hook formations of opposed curvature. The connecting path segments extend rotationally along the tubular body between the convoluted path areas.

Abstract: A flexible inner member for rotation within an angled outer tubular member of a rotary tissue cutting instrument to cut anatomical tissue includes a flexible region for conforming to the configuration of an angled region of the outer tubular member and formed of a labyrinthine cut through a cylindrical wall of a tubular body of the inner member. The labyrinthine cut includes a plurality of labyrinthine areas rotationally spaced on the tubular body and in which the labyrinthine cut defines a labyrinth configuration including minor curves of opposed curvature respectively arranged within major curves of opposed curvature, with each of the minor curves being continuous with a major curve of opposed curvature thereto.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions that change the spacial relationship between the vertebral bodies and the intervertebral disks, or that cause instability of the vertebral column, or both, and a method and devices that allow the surgeon to access the intervertebral space to restore a more normal three-dimensional configuration of the space, with or without additionally fusing two adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tissue removal devices and methods. A tubular element having an open distal end is advanced into tissue so that tissue enters the tubular element. The tissue which entered the tubular element is cut to separate the tissue from the surrounding tissue. The tissue is then transported proximally by the cutting element or a separate transport element.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for cutting an opening through tissue. In one embodiment, a tissue-penetrating device is provided and includes a flexible elongate needle shaft that has a distal end with a circumferentially extending tissue-cutting edge formed thereon. A proximal end of the elongate needle shaft interfaces with a rotary control member for selectively applying a rotary motion to the elongate needle shaft. When the rotating tissue-cutting edge is brought into contact with target tissue, the tissue-cutting edge cuts an opening through the tissue. The device may have a stylet that has a blunt end that can be adjusted to protrude out of the distal end of the elongate needle shaft out beyond the tissue-cutting edge and is biased inward into the elongate needle shaft when the blunt end is brought into contact with the tissue to expose the tissue-cutting edge to the tissue. The stylet may be used as a guide wire after the hole has been cut through the tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for extracting and macerating tissue, and optionally for depositing the tissue onto a tissue scaffold. The device generally includes an outer tube having a substantially open distal end that is adapted to be placed on and preferably to form a seal with a tissue surface, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and movable between a first, proximal position in which the shaft is fully disposed within the outer tube, and a second, distal position in which a portion of a distal end of the shaft extends through the opening in the distal end of the outer tube. The device also includes a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end of the shaft that is effective to excise a tissue sample when the shaft is moved to the distal position, and a cutting member that is coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip. The cutting member is effective to macerate a tissue sample excised by the tissue harvesting tip.

Abstract: A motorized surgical handpiece comprises a housing enclosing an interior containing a motor and an output shaft for being driven in rotation by the motor. The output shaft has a central longitudinal axis, a bore extending therethrough for receiving a shank of a surgical tool to be rotatably driven by the output shaft, a forward end portion extending forwardly beyond the motor and a rearward end portion extending rearwardly beyond the motor. The housing has a continuous lumen extending entirely therethrough formed in part by the output shaft bore for insertion of a bore brush through the lumen for cleaning when the surgical tool is removed from the handpiece.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for penetrating tissue and/or effecting movement of devices relative to tissue. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having an at least partially fabric-covered distal tip that be used to at least partially penetrate tissue by contacting the tissue with the fabric and rotating the fabric to “drill” into the tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured for delivery proximate to tissue through a working channel of a delivery device and can include an elongate shaft having in its distal portion an end effector at least partially covered in fabric. The fabric, the end effector, and/or the shaft can rotate, thereby allowing at least the fabric to penetrate the tissue and, if sufficiently rotated, causing an opening to form in the tissue. The surgical instrument and/or the delivery device can be advanced through the opening.

Abstract: A surgical implement for use with a hand-piece of a surgical instrument for performing a surgical treatment, comprises: an outer tube member including an outer hub and an outer tube extending longitudinally from the outer hub, the outer tube and the outer hub defining a longitudinal bore, the outer hub having a generally circular outer surface and including a circumferential locking groove and a key for releasable attachment of the outer tube member to the surgical instrument; and, an inner tube member including an inner hub and an inner tube extending longitudinally from the inner hub, the inner tube and the inner hub defining a longitudinal bore, the inner tube configured to insert within the longitudinal bore of the outer tube member and including an end effect portion disposed adjacent to a distal end of the inner tube, the inner hub having a generally circular outer surface and including a plurality of bosses radially formed on the outer surface thereof for releasably connecting the inner tube member to

Abstract: The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.

Abstract: One or more shaped axial bore extending from an accessed posterior or anterior target point are formed in the cephalad direction through vertebral bodies and intervening discs, if present, in general alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner. An anterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL) or a posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (PAIFL) that extends from the anterior or posterior target point, respectively, in the cephalad direction following the spinal curvature through one or more vertebral body is visualized by radiographic or fluoroscopic equipment.

Abstract: The shank (12) of a disposable rotary cutting tool (10) comprises a pipe section (16) cut from a drawn metal pipe. The tool head (14) is formed from a cut-out (18a, 18b) of a drawn metal sheet or a section of a metal tube by non-cutting machining. The pipe section (16) and the tool head (14) are advantageously attached by force fitting.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is multi-purpose tool comprising: a supporting body adapted to receive and support a bit; a handle attached to the supporting body; a view controlling means coupled to, or adapted to couple to, the supporting body for controlling the view of a viewing device; and one or more of the following control means: (i) a rotatory controlling means coupled to the supporting body for controlling the rotational movement of a bit; and (ii) a pincer controlling means coupled to the supporting body for controlling pincing movement of the bit. In one embodiment, (i) pertains. In another embodiment, (ii) pertains. In another embodiment, (i) and (ii) pertains. In one embodiment, the means of (i) and (ii) share a common actuator and, in some embodiments, additional shared mechanical parts.

Abstract: The rotary motion created by a motor is transmitted from the drive shaft of the motor to the driven shaft through a pair of diametrically opposed balls fitted into a coupling mechanism attached to the drive shaft and through a pin fitted into holes formed in the opposed balls and through the driven shaft disposed between the opposed balls for eliminating vibration and noise. The thrust loads imposed in the structure supporting the motor is directed to bypass the motor through a bearing supporting the driven shaft through its housing and into the outer housing surrounding the motor. The motor is encased in a cartridge disposed in a central cavity of the outer housing and the cartridge is not rigidly attached to the outer housing so that the thrust loads bypass the motor.

Abstract: A surgical marking tool for marking a location on a patient includes a cutting head and a handle. The cutting head includes a screw thread. The handle is coupled to the cutting head to rotate the cutting head. The screw thread is configured to progressively embed in the patient to mark the location when the cutting head is placed in contact with the patient and rotated with respect to the patient using the handle.

Abstract: A surgical tool system (30) with a powered surgical handpiece (32). A removable handswitch (39) is attached to the handpiece. The handswitch includes a slip ring (192) that removably holds the handswitch to the handpiece. A lever arm (212) is pivotally attached to the slip ring. A magnet (190) is fitted in the lever arm. The angle of the lever arm is set by the surgeon to indicate the on/off state and operating speed of the handpiece. Internal to the handpiece is a sensor (94) that generates a signal based on the relative proximity of the magnet. The sensor signal is thus employed as the control signal for regulating the operation of the handpiece. Thus a surgeon can selectively use the handpiece with or without the mounted control switch.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member. The drive may include a drive member having a helical groove and being attached to the cutting member. Furthermore, the drive may include an inner drive hub coupled to the drive member such that the drive member rotates with the inner drive hub while being free to translate relative to the inner drive hub. The drive simultaneously rotates and translates the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive.

Abstract: A torque transmitting system supports rotational and lateral movement of a drive shaft. The system includes translating inner and outer tubes which have aligned canals for placement of a ball bearing and a pinion shaft to couple the tubes to a drive system. Rotational torque is transferred from the pinion shaft, to the outer tube and, through the ball positioned in the aligned canals, to the inner tube and then to the drive shaft. Furthermore, the ball engaged in the canals defines a range of motion in which the inner tube is slidable with respect to the outer tube, along the tubes' longitudinal axis, to permit advancement of an attached drive shaft.

Abstract: A cranial perforator with an inner drill and an outer drill that surrounds the inner drill. Both drills are rotated by a head. Once the inner drill penetrates the bone, the inner drill moves against the outer drill. This movement causes the inner drill to disengage from the perforator head. The disengagement of the inner drill from the perforator head serves to stop the rotation of both drills.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biopsy instrument with improved needle penetration for piercing dense tissue. The device may comprise a needle slidably retained in a housing. The device may further comprise an actuation member that may be adapted to communicate longitudinal motion to the needle in a first direction. The device may further include a propulsion element that provides the needle with return motion in a second direction. The device may be fired multiple times to create repeating reciprocal motion. In one version, the device may reciprocate several times as a result of a single engagement of the actuation member.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: A seal for an attachment to a surgical motor is provided by cutting threads into the inner surface of the nose cone of the attachment whereby the helical wound threads are in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotating shaft of the instrument being supported by the attachment. The motor can likewise by configured to define a seal where an attachment is not being utilized.

Abstract: A surgical tool (10) includes a cutting element (20), a first portion (30, 60; 40, 70) configured to supply a fluid to a surgical site, and a second portion (40, 70; 30, 60) configured to apply a pressure to the surgical site. The first portion, the cutting element, and the second portion are integrated as a single component.

Abstract: A nerve stimulating drill bit is provided and can include a shank and a body attached to the shank. The body can include a plurality of flutes and a cutting tip. Further, a first conductor can extend through the shank and the body. The first conductor can be insulated and can provide a signal at the cutting tip. Further, the signal can be configured to provide nerve stimulation at the cutting tip of the nerve stimulating drill bit.

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 medical device and method of using the device to reinforce and stabilize a compressed tissue is disclosed. The medical device is inserted into the tissue, typically a vertebral bone, cuts the tissue inside, and then a binding cement is injected into the pulped tissue without removing the tissue. The medical device is designed to disrupt and pulp the tissue without exerting a compressive force against the walls by using thin blades that buckle away from the core, and by rotating the blades while expanding/contracting the blades at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting up biological sample material, including a sample container, a rotary drive device separate from the sample container, and a shaft rotatably arranged in the sample container, wherein the shaft has a laterally projecting cutting device in the region of a working end and has a coupling piece in the region of a coupling end, said coupling piece being accessible from outside and being designed for coupling engagement with a coupling counterpart of the rotary drive device, wherein the shaft (14) is arranged with lateral guidance and in an axially displaceable manner in the sample container (10), the coupling piece (19) and the coupling counterpart (21) are designed for producing coupling engagement which is positive-locking in the direction of rotation (23) and permits an axial displacement, and the cutting device (16) is designed in a propeller shape in such a way that, during rotation of the shaft (14) in the working direction, it exerts a propulsive force on the latter in the direction

Abstract: Electric vitrectomy handpieces are provided. The handpiece includes a motor, a clutch mechanism, an oscillating drive mechanism, a cutting tip and a handle. The motor is attached to the clutch, and the clutch is attached to the oscillating drive mechanism. When the motor is operational, the clutch expands to engage the oscillating drive mechanism and the oscillating drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the clutch to the reciprocating motion of the cutting tip. When the motor is at rest, the clutch retracts to allow aspiration.

Abstract: A medical instrument for cutting tissue has a tubular outer shaft, which comprises at least one window in the region of its distal end. The medical instrument further comprises a tubular inner shaft which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and housed in the outer shaft and which has at its distal end a window arranged in the region of the at least one window of the outer shaft and provided with at least one cutting element. The medical instrument has a fixing element for unrotatably holding of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft in a preset position. The fixing element is irreversibly detachable through rotational movement of the inner shaft.

Abstract: An angled tissue cutting instrument comprises an angled outer tubular member rotatably receiving a flexible inner tubular member. The inner member has a flexible region in correspondence with an angle of the outer member. The flexible region comprises a helically cut length portion of an elongate tubular body of the inner member and a continuous solid flexible surface secured to an outer surface of the body along the helically cut length portion. A method of fabricating a flexible inner tubular member involves forming a helical cut through the solid wall of a length portion of a tubular body and securing a continuous solid flexible surface to the outer surface of the body along the helically cut length portion to form a flexible region.

Abstract: A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.

Abstract: A surgical tool system including a handpiece with a power generating unit and a control console for supplying energization signals to the power generating unit. Based on the data in a memory associated with the handpiece, the control console supplies energization signals to the handpiece power generating unit in either a motor drive mode or a direct drive mode. In the motor drive mode the signals are supplied to windings integral with the power generating unit based on the position of a rotor also part of the power generating unit. In the direct drive mode, energizaiton signals are supplied to the power generating unit independent of rotor position.

Abstract: An rotary shaver having an attachment device for coupling a flexible transmission shaft to rigid ends. In at least one embodiment, the rotary shaver may be a curved rotary shaver. The inner shaft may be formed from rigid ends connected together with the flexible transmission shaft via an attachment device. The attachment device may include a collar protruding from an outer surface to penetrate an inner surface of the flexible transmission shaft. The attachment device may also include one or more grooves or protrusions for the transmission of torque.

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.