Abstract: A rotary assembly for use in processing a tubular member wherein the assembly comprises a gripping mechanism, that is moveable from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position the gripping mechanism engages at least a portion of the tubular member. The gripping mechanism is operatively engaged to a piston that is fluid actuatable from a first position to a second position by a fluid acting upon the piston, such that when the piston is in the first position the gripping mechanism is in the closed position and when the piston is in the second position the gripping mechanism is in the open position. The assembly defines a circuit through which the fluid is transmitted to the piston.

Abstract: A device perpendicularly aligns an axis to a tangent plane at a point on a nonplanar surface. The device includes an annular cutting surface and a port. The annular cutting surface is centered on the axis and rotatable about the axis. The port is centered on the axis. An insertion instrument inserted through the port is perpendicular to the tangent plane when the annular cutting surface cuts into the nonplanar surface.

Abstract: Apparatus with a pneumatic or hydraulic or mechanical therapeutic catheter. The therapy energy required to treat internal vessels of the patient is transferred by the same fluid or the same elements from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter that transfer information from the distal end section to the proximal end section of the catheter. The information provides understanding of the estate of the vessel and how the therapy fluid of the therapy element of the catheter acts on the vessel.

Abstract: An atherectomy burr has an operating diameter that is larger than the diameter of a catheter in which the burr is routed. The burr may include a polymeric balloon that is coated with an abrasive and that expands when the burr is rotated. When the burr is rotated, the polymeric tube expands by centrifugal force. The maximum expansion of the burr is controlled by an expansion mechanism. Various mechanisms are disclosed for controlling the maximum diameter of the burr thus preventing the burr from over expanding. In addition, the present invention includes a system for preventing the loose ablated particulate from reembolizing in the distal vasculature. The system includes an ablation burr that has abrasive disposed on the proximal end that is pulled back toward the guide catheter to ablate the lesion. The burr creates a seal when expanded to block the ablated particulate so that the aspiration system can remove the particulate from the patient vessel or stent.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing bone from a femoral notch, or the like, which includes a guidewire and a router assembly. The router assembly comprises a cutting head fixed to a shaft rotatably disposed in a hole through a body portion of a shield assembly. A hood portion of the shield assembly extends from the body portion of the shield assembly and covers a first portion of the cutting head while leaving exposed a second portion of the cutting head. The guidewire extends through a hole in the shaft, a hole in the cutting head, and a hole in the shield assembly hood portion, such that the router assembly is movable along the guidewire. The shaft is rotatable in the shield assembly body portion such that the second portion of the cutting head is engageable with the bone and operative to remove portions of the bone. The guidewire is installed in the knee so that it extends along the length to be occupied by a graft ligament.

Abstract: A method of securing a soft tissue implant to damaged tissue of a patient is provided. The method includes preparing a layer of extracellular matrices (ECM) for surgery. The method further includes stretching the layer on a frame and securing the layer to the frame. The method includes placing a top surface of the layer adjacent the damaged tissue, drilling multiple holes generally simultaneously through the layer and tissue, and simultaneously inserting a fastener into each drilled hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula, each having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The inner cannula is disposed within the outer cannula and the inner and outer aspiration apertures are in at least partial registration to form an effective aspiration aperture. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with either the inner or outer cannula so that one of the cannulas can be selectively caused, to reciprocate relative to the housing while the other is stationarily disposed relative to the housing.

Abstract: A catheter-based system for accessing specific body cavities percutaneously and minimizing patient trauma is provided. In the preferred embodiment, in order to create an aperture at an access site in a patient's existing tubular body organ structure, a delivery sheath is passed axially along the interior of a portion of the existing tubular body organ structure to place a distal end of the delivery sheath near the access site. A centering wire is passed axially along the interior of the delivery sheath, piercing through from inside to outside of the patient's existing tubular body organ structure at the access site by causing an end portion of the centering wire to emerge from the distal end of the delivery sheath. A cutting catheter is passed substantially coaxially over the centering wire and axially along the interior of the delivery sheath.

Abstract: An elongated cutting accessory for performing endoscopic surgery. The accessory includes an inner tube to which a cutting member is attached and an outer tube that encases the inner tube. The outer tube may have first and second proximal and distal sections that are arranged end to end. The inner and outer diameters of the proximal section of the outer tube are greater than the corresponding diameters of the adjacent distal end section. An annular gap separates the outer surfaces of the inner tube with the inner surfaces of the outer tube. Irrigation fluid can be flowed through this gap. In some versions of the invention, two spaced apart hearing sleeves extend between the inner and outer tube. The distal of the two sleeves is formed with a channel through which the irrigation fluid can flow to a distal end opening in the outer tube.

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece for use with a micro-cutting instrument, includes a motor contained within a housing. The housing includes a motor enclosure surrounding the motor and a sleeve placed about the motor enclosure. An internal passage is formed entirely between the sleeve and the motor enclosure. Finally, the sleeve defines a handling region and forms inlet and outlet ports proximal the handling region which are fluidly connected to the internal passage. During use, a cooling fluid, flows through the internal passage as the cooling fluid circulates from the inlet port to the outlet port. The motor is sealed relative to the cooling fluid by the motor enclosure. Thus, the cooling fluid does not directly contact the motor, but instead serves as a heat exchange medium through which heat generated by the motor is thermally transferred to the cooling fluid via the motor enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for anastomosing an organ of a subject to be anastomosed such as patient comprises a pair of magnets being disposed to predetermined sites or regions of organs of the subject each other so as to be opposed through wall portions of the respective organs, the magnets being adsorbed to each other so as to form an anastomosis site having a through hole for making communication between the organ walls, a flexible soft guide wire detachably mounted to at least one of the paired magnets, and a guide tube inserted into a body of the subject with the guide wire being inserted therein, the guide tube coming into contact with a guide wire mount surface of the one of magnets so as to support the one magnet when the guide wire is removed from the one magnet and the guide tube being inserted into the through hole of the anastomosis site to maintain formation of the through hole.

Abstract: A guide wire brake suitable for use in a rotational ablation system includes a linear actuator that when actuated, in conjunction with a brake collet, prevent a guide wire from rotating or moving axially during the rotation of the ablation burr. Multiple embodiments of the linear actuator are disclosed that use single and/or multiple bellows configurations to actuate the guide wire brake.

Abstract: A laryngeal cutting blade has an outer blade assembly including a tubular member having a bend closer to a proximal portion than a distal end, a hollow inner blade assembly rotatably received in the outer blade assembly for mounting to a powered handpiece and having a flexible portion disposed adjacent the bend and a suction passage extending through the inner blade assembly to permit aspiration of cut tissue, the angled configuration of the laryngeal cutting blade and toothed and smooth profile cutting ends therefore are particularly effective for debulking large, firm lesions and for delicate shaving of superficial lesions of the vocal cords after removal of bulk mass.

Abstract: A device and method for use in a human spine to prepare a space between adjacent vertebral bodies and into the vertebral end plates to receive an implantable insert. The device includes a handle, a shaft, and a mounting member at one end of the shaft. An abrading element is mounted on the mounting member and is coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to move the abrading element in at least one degree of freedom to create surfaces having predetermined contours in the end plates of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A system for ablating material in vein grafts includes an ablation burr that is rotated by a driveshaft. The ablation burr preferably includes one or more channels, blades or other mechanisms that direct ablated material and liquid proximally and/or outwardly against a vessel wall. Aspiration is used to remove ablated material and liquid from the treatment area. Finally, methods for treating vein grafts and original native arteries are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention related to an instrument for cutting biological and notably human tissue, especially during endoscopic surgery, with an outer tube and a hollow, cylindrical cutting tube which is positioned within the outer tube and can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and at whose distal end at least one blade is positioned. The instrument also comprises a manipulator which is mounted at the proximal end of the tubes. The outer tube can be displaced in the axial direction of the cutting tube, which is immovably fixed to the manipulator, against the force of a pressure spring between an initial position in which the outer tube projects beyond the cutting tube on the distal side and a working position in which the blade protrudes from the distal end of the outer tube. The aim of the invention is to improve an instrument of this type in such a way that it is simple and safe to use while giving an operator the greatest possible freedom of movement.

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 electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue in the presence of an electrically-conductive fluid medium. The instrument comprises an instrument shaft (10), a tissue treatment electrode (12) at one end of the shaft, and removal means, the instrument having an apertured portion (20a) through which matter can be aspirated by the removal means from the region surrounding the tissue treatment electrode. The removal means comprises a channel formed within the instrument shaft (10) and leading from the apertured portion (20a). The channel is provided with agitation means (14) for preventing the build-up of sublimation products within the channel.

Abstract: A cutting accessory (40a) for use with a powered surgical tool. The cutting accessory includes a head (42) with a cutting surface that is applied to a surgical site and a shaft (44a) that extends from the head. A plurality of retention features (530) are formed on the shaft. This makes it possible to longitudinally adjust the position of the cutting accessory relative to the tool with which the accessory is used. The interstitial sections of the shaft located between the retention features have an-asymmetric profile relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This facilitates the auto-alignment of the cutting accessory to a handpiece when clamping members integral to the handpiece are pressed against the accessory.

Abstract: A system for removing matter from a partially or totally occluded stent includes a cutter that is urged radially outward toward the inner surface of the stent. Preferably, the cutter has a hardness that is less than or equal to the hardness of the material used to make the stent. Aspiration may be provided to remove portions of the occluding material from the vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for extracting and collecting bone material from an extraction site of a patient. The method and apparatus further provides a readily accessible, and easily harvested, source of bone material without the drawbacks of current extraction methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motorized apparatus for rotating suction tubes during a medical surgical operation. The apparatus consists of a lightweight motor, motor housing and drive assembly capable of automatically rotating a vacuum curette or similar suction tube at the bodily sight of a surgical procedure. In practice, the motor generates rotational force capable of rotating the suction tube, avoiding the risks of repetitive stress injuries' to surgeons and surgical assistants.

Abstract: An improved design for a powered abrading or cutting instrument for surgery is described. A basic instrument comprising a burr, a driveshaft, a support tube or shaft for the driveshaft, and a bearing between the driveshaft and the support is further provided with an external tube. The external tube provides one or more of drainage, irrigation, and provision of a sheath function. Some embodiments of the improved design can remove debris without requiring suction or other mechanical assistance, and have improved resistance to clogging.

Abstract: There is disclosed to a surgical instrument and methods for its use, for cutting tissue that has a positioning tube having a longitudinal axis and a distal end including a portion of preset curvature, a cutting blade, that is at least substantially continuous, typically a ring, and a shaft. The shaft includes a distal end, that typically extends into the cutting blade, and engages the cutting blade in a rotational engagement, so as to confine its position while allowing it to rotate, upon the shaft rotating. At least a portion of the shaft is housed within the positioning tube. A frame is configured for receiving the proximal end of the shaft such that the shaft can rotate while being held in the frame. This reception and retention of the shaft by the frame is such that movement of the frame along the longitudinal axis moves the shaft and the cutting blade along the longitudinal axis. The cutting blade typically includes a sharpened edge, typically at its proximal end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for removing tissue comprising a tool at its distal end which can be supplied with high frequency power. The instrument includes an HF power terminal and an HF power supply line extending frown a proximal end region of the instrument to its distal end. In the present instrument, the HF power supply is configured as a drive shaft for rotary drive of the tool. Furthermore, contact means are provided electrically connected to the HF power terminal, which electrically contact the drive shaft.

Abstract: An adenoid curette that includes a shank, a handle, and a cutting head. The shank has a pin, male threads, and a collar. The cutting head is a loop that is continuous and has a groove, a slot, and a neck. The shank is placed in the groove and in the neck, and the pin is positioned in the slot. The collar is threaded onto the male threads, captures the neck during threading, and abuts against the cutting head during threading so as to force the pin further into the slot until the collar can no longer rotate indicating that the pin is fully seated in the slot and thereby causing the cutting head to be captured between the pin and the collar and thereby interchangeably retaining the cutting head on the shank.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described to rapidly and easily install a control device in a resecting tool system. The motor portion of the resecting tool can be readily separated from the air conduit to which it is attached. In a preferred embodiment, modular hand-operated control is then inserted between the air conduit and motor and interconnected with both components. The modular hand-control provides a housing with an actuatable lever, or handle, which controls an internal valve assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for catheterized delivery or infusion of medication and anaesthesia are disclosed. The perforating catheter is first used to perforate the periodontal ligament and/or the cortical plate of bone tissue, and is then left in place and used as a catheter for insertion of a hypodermic needle of smaller gauge to deliver medication or anaesthesia to a target area. The perforator is a bevelled needle for drilling into the ligament or bone tissue. For drilling, the device comprises an adaptor which transmits the rotational movement from a dental hand piece or the like to the bevelled needle. A cap is also included for protecting the bevelled needle during storage of the device. The adaptor may have a rod which extends axially into the bevelled needle when the device is assembled for drilling. The rod is used to prevent the debris resulting from drilling from blocking the passage in the bevelled needle.

Abstract: The motorized specimen cutter has a replaceable rotary tubular cutting tip and a motor to rotate the cutting tip. Deflection caused by proper cutting force energizes the motor with enough energy to cut a specimen. A manually or automatically actuated ejector pin ejects the sample from the cutting tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for gaining access, quickly and inexpensively, to a body cavity for the purpose of inserting into the cavity a medical device, such as a chest tube. The device generally comprises a catheter and a cannula insertable into the catheter during an insertion procedure. The cannula has a cutting tip that extends beyond one end of the catheter. The cutting tip enables simple insertion of the device into the body without requiring substantial pushing force. Once the device is inserted in the body, the cannula is removed, leaving a path of entry into the body cavity, while removing the sharp cutting tip from the area to reduce the likelihood of injury to a patient in whom the device is inserted.

Abstract: Hand-held surgical instruments include magnetic couplings which impart simultaneous reciprocal rotary and longitudinal motions or oscillations to a distally located workpiece. In preferred embodiments, the magnetic couplings include a drive shaft, an output shaft coaxially aligned with the drive shaft relative to a central axis, and drive and driven magnet assemblies connected operatively to the drive and output shafts, respectively. The drive and driven magnet assemblies include permanent magnets arranged to translate continuous rotation of the drive shaft into simultaneous rotary and longitudinal movements of the driven magnet assembly relative to the drive axis. A resilient support member exhibiting torsional and longitudinal resiliency (e.g., an annular elastomeric disc) is most preferably operatively connected to the output shaft to allow for such simultaneous rotary and longitudinal movements thereof.

Abstract: An atherectomy burr includes a number of cutting blades having a less aggressive cutting action when rotated in a first direction and a more aggressive cutting action when rotated in a second direction. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each cutting blade includes an abrasive surface that is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the cutting burr. Each blade further includes a second cutting surface that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the burr. By selectively rotating the burr in either direction, a physician can cause the less aggressive or more aggressive cutting surface to engage deposits in a patient's vessel.

Abstract: An improved guide wire brake that is particularly suited to ablative rotational atherectomy devices is disclosed. The guide wire brake ensures that a guide wire is prevented from rotating or moving axially prior to activation of a primary mover such as a turbine. In one embodiment a pressure relief valve delays the activation of the prime mover on start up, and a check valve delays the release of the guide wire brake on shut down. In a second embodiment the guide wire brake is serially connected to the prime mover such that the prime mover is not connected to the pressurized gas source until after the guide wire brake is engaged. In a third embodiment a guide wire is disposed through a flexible tube within a rigid cylinder that is serially connected to the prime mover, such that when pressurized gas is provided to the prime mover the flexible tube will collapse on the guide wire, to prevent guide wire movement.

Abstract: A system for removing matter from a partially or totally occluded stent includes a cutter that is urged radially outward toward the inner surface of the stent. Preferably, the cutter has a hardness that is less than or equal to the hardness of the material used to make the stent. Aspiration may be provided to remove portions of the occluding material from the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes a hollow hub 15 that has a working portion 16 which terminates at a working end 17 and a connection portion 18 which terminates at a connection end. The connection portion 18 defines a cavity 20 and a lock member 22, which projects from an outer surface 21 of the connection portion 18. A surgical cutting element extends from the working end 17 and is operationally connected to a source of motion. A hollow hub connector 60 has a cylindrical wall 61 with a hand-piece connection portion 62 and a hub engagement portion 65. The hub engagement portion defines a chamber 70 for receiving the connection portion 18 of the hub 15. The chamber 70 has a longitudinal axis A1 parallel to the length of the hub connector 60. The hub engagement portion 65 further defines a channel 75 through the cylindrical wall 61 for receiving the lock member 22. The channel is in communication with the chamber 70 and has a longitudinal section 76 defined along the length L of the connector.

Abstract: A process has been developed to reduce or relieve prostatic obstruction. The steps involved in the TUVOR Process include: 1. Transurethral Incision; 2. De-bulking and Intra-Prostatic Volume Reduction; 3. Intra-prostatic void exclusion and space filling with adhesive and/or therapeutic polymeric materials, alone or in combination with bioactive agents and/or mechanical means for closure; 4. Endourethral compression and prostatic mass remolding; 5. Endourethral Polymer Liner Layer. This liner formed from structurally supportive, yet eventually biodegradable, polymers further bolsters and supports the urethra and peri-urethral tissue during healing, eliminating the need for post-procedure catheter drainage. This step may be optional in specific clinical circumstances. The process is designed to allow outpatient treatment under local anesthesia for BPH.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for cutting a bone including a cutting assembly having a cutting blade, a cutting guide for guiding the shape of the cut in the bone, and a power source for powering the cutting blade. The cutting blade is moveable radially to vary the depth of the cut in the bone, and the cutting blade is capable of cutting around the circumference of the bone as well as in a longitudinal direction along the bone. A powered bone breaking device for completing the breaking of the weakened bone is also disclosed. A miniaturized version of the bone cutting apparatus can be used to cut out sections of a femur head from inside a femur body.

Abstract: Rotating element catheters and catheter assemblies employ clutch assemblies for preventing rotational energy from being transmitted from a motor drive unit to the catheter element under defined circumstances. The catheter assembly includes an elongate member in which there is disposed a rotatable catheter drive cable. The catheter drive cable may have an operative element, e.g., an ultrasonic transducer or an artherectomy blade, distally mounted thereon for providing diagnostic or therapeutic functions to the physician. To control the rotation of the catheter drive shaft, the clutch assembly is configured such that the catheter drive shaft is operated in a drive mode (i.e., it is allowed to rotate) and in a release mode (i.e., it is prevented from rotating).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative roller cutting device, cutting template and method for cutting a tissue pattern. The invention allows a precise tissue pattern to be cut without dragging the material and possibly tearing the tissue as would often occur using a straight scalpel blade. The roller cutter and template described herein can be used for numerous surgical applications requiring precise cutting of tissue and other materials.

Abstract: An atherectomy burr having an operating diameter that is larger than the diameter of a catheter in which the burr is routed. The burr may include a flexible polymeric tube that is plated with an abrasive and that expands when the burr is rotated. Metal fibers are embedded into burr to improve strength and to control the maximum expansion diameter of the burr. The abrasive is plated on the burr by first selectively exposing the underlying metal. The exposed metal is then plated with a layer of metal such as nickel having a slurry of diamond particles disposed therein using an electro and/or electroless plating method. When the burr is rotated, the polymeric tube expands by centrifugal force to ablate a new lumen in the patient's vessel.

Abstract: A feedstock for creating cutting tools comprises a mixture of diamond particles, a binding material and a homogenizing agent that maintains the mixture of the diamond particles and binding material. In one present embodiment of the invention, the feedstock comprises diamond particles mixed with a binding agent of a brass powder and a wax or plastic homogenizing agent. The feedstock of the present invention is useful in making many types of abrasive cutting tools. One such cutting tool is an atherectomy burr for use in removing occlusions from a patient's blood vessel. A cutting tool made of the feedstock of the present invention has improved thermal conductivity compared with conventional atherectomy burrs.

Abstract: A medical device is described for use in removing material from a body. The removal of material is accomplished by slidably contacting a cutting edge of a cutter member with the inner wall of a sleeve, where the cutting edge cooperates with the inner wall of the sleeve to capture and cut the material. The cutter member may be hollow and may be in fluid communication with a chamber for collection and removal of cut material from the cutter member. The distal tip of the cutter member may extend beyond, or be enclosed within, the sleeve, while the proximal end of the cutter member is mounted on a rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A method for removing a vein includes making an incision through a skin layer of a patient, inserting a surgical instrument through the incision, visualizing the vein through the skin layer using a light source positioned subcutaneously and in proximity of the vein, and cutting the vein using the surgical instrument. The vein can be visualized by directing light from the light source at the vein from underneath the vein or from a side of the vein. A device for illuminating a body structure has a housing with a distal end configured for subcutaneous insertion into a patient's tissue and positioning in proximity of the body structure, a light path supported by the housing and configured for directing light at the body structure, and a fluid line supported by the housing.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive surgery using a cutting tool with rotational cutting edges. The surgical instrument includes a tube having a distal end and a cutting edge at the distal end. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the tube. Within the tube is a shaft having a longitudinally extending blade at its distal end that is adjacent to the distal end of the tube. The blade is revolvable about the longitudinal axis of the instrument to provide rotational cutting action. One or both of the blade and the cutting edge on the tube can be electrically energized to provide for electrocauterization of the body tissue being cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mechanically-assisted liposuction treatment. The apparatus includes a hand-holdable housing, an electro-cauterizing cannula assembly, and a reciprocation mechanism. The hand-holdable housing has a cavity adaptable for receipt of a portion of the electro-cauterizing cannula assembly. The electro-cauterizing cannula assembly includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula, each having a distal end and a proximal end and at least one aspiration aperture about the distal end. The inner cannula is disposed within the outer cannula and the inner and outer aspiration apertures are in at least partial registration to form an effective aspiration aperture. The reciprocation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably associated with either the inner or outer cannula so that one of the cannulas can be selectively caused to reciprocate relative to the housing while the other is stationarily disposed relative to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high speed motor for the surgical treatment of bones and microtrepanation, comprising a motor housing 1, 1a and a receiving case 7 for a cutting pin 8, wherein the receiving case 7 is provided with a detachable locking mechanism 9. The motor housing (1, 1a) has an integral and angular construction and is provided with a rest part (4) in the front portion thereof for the user to lay down his fingers.

Abstract: An end-cutting arthroscopic shaver blade having a tubular inner member rotatable within a tubular outer member. The distal ends of each of the tubular members are provided with at least two notches each of which has longitudinally extending sides provided with cutting edges. In one of the embodiments the outer tubular member is provided with an arcuate extension in order to guide tissue toward the notches.

Abstract: An atherectomy burr has an operating diameter that is larger than the diameter of a catheter in which the burr is routed. The burr may include a polymeric balloon that is coated with an abrasive and that expands when the burr is rotated. Alternatively, the burr may include a polymeric tube that is coated with an abrasive and secured to the proximal end of the burr. When the burr is rotated, the polymeric tube expands by centrifugal force. Alternatively, the burr may comprise a metallic strip wound over a mandrel. When the strip is tightly coiled to the mandrel, its outer diameter decreases. The outer diameter of the burr increases as the metallic strip expands. In addition, the burr can be formed as a wire spring wound over a drive tube. The distal end of the spring is coupled to a nose cone that can move within a distal lumen in the drive tube. The maximum expansion of the burr is controlled by the distance that the nose cone can be retracted into the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is generally characterized in an angled rotary tissue cutting instrument including an outer blade assembly, having a rigid tubular member with proximal and distal portions connected by a bead, and an inner blade assembly rotatably disposed within the outer blade assembly and including a tubular drive shaft at a proximal end, a cutting tip at a distal end, and a flexible coupling disposed between the drive shaft and the cutting tip. The drive shaft and cutting tip include neck portions which are disposed telescopically within proximal and distal ends of the coupling.