Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An atherectomy probe for incrementally advancing a torque tube with a rotating cutter through an artery to remove obstructive tissue from the lumen of the artery comprises a fixed distal support and a moveable proximal support for slideably restraining the torque tube. The torque tube is rotated about a longitudinal axis by a motor which is slideably mounted inside a housing of a drive unit. A rod extending substantially parallel to the torque tube interconnects the distal support and the motor. The rod selectively secures the torque tube from longitudinally sliding with respect to the distal support. Adjacent to the rod is an elongated advancement tape having juxtaposed dual layers attached between the distal support and the proximal support. In its operation, a tape divider operatively engages with the advancement tape for aligning the tape. A tape advancer which cooperates with the tape divider has two pins which insert between the layers of the advancement tape for laterally extending the layers to advance the proximal support toward the distal support. An advancement lever connected to the motor is incrementally advanced in a distal direction in relation to the distal support to advance the rotating torque tube with cutter for cutting the obstructive tissue.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim