Importance

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Abstract

An atherectomy catheter includes a catheter shaft having three lumens. The central lumen supports a central wire on which is mounted a shell-shaped cutter. The cutter is exposed to the exterior of the shaft via a cutting window, and the cutter is mounted in a housing integral with the catheter shaft. An upper lumen receives material severed by the cutter as severed material is pushed proximally by the cutter during a cutting stroke. The lower lumen is used to inflate a balloon situated opposite the cutting window. The cutter is arranged to cut when pulled proximally, and is oscillated through a short stroke while the user moves the cutter across the cutting window. A guide wire extends laterally outside of the catheter shaft to a point past the cutter, where it enters the central lumen distally of the central wire.

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First Claim