Importance

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Abstract

A recanalizing catheter comprising a very small diameter, elongated, flexible tubular member having a distal end at which a tool is mounted for high speed rotation. A flexible drive assembly is located within the tubular member to power the tool. In one embodiment the drive assembly comprises a spiral bearing formed as an elongated cylindrical helix having a central longitudinal passageway extending therethrough, and a flexible drive shaft extending through the passageway and freely rotatable therein. The tool is mounted at the end of the flexible drive shaft. In another embodiment the drive assembly comprises a spiral drive shaft formed of at least one elongated cylindrical helix having a central longitudinal passageway extending therethrough, and an elongated flexible bearing shaft extending through the passageway and about which the spiral shaft can be freely rotated. The tool is mounted at the end of the spiral shaft. In either embodiment the drive shaft and the bearing cooperate with each other to keep the drive shaft centered even as the device is bent through a sharp radia of curvature, while also preventing the shaft from going into critical whirl as it is rotated at a high rate of speed from a remotely located motor.

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First Claim