Importance

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Abstract

Device and method for performing an atherectomy. The device utilizes a dual lumen catheter, with a guide wire being receivable in one of these lumens, and a flexible, elongated drive shaft carrying an abrasive burr at its distal end being disposed in the other lumen. The drive shaft and abrasive burr each include a central lumen so that they can be advanced over a positioning wire. The positioning wire has a generally straight proximal portion, and a distal end that is slidably secured to the guide wire so that the positioning wire can be moved proximally and distally with respect to the guide wire. The positioning wire also includes a distal end portion with a burr positioning segment. The burr positioning segment has a predetermined curved shape so that when the abrasive burr is advanced over the positioning wire to a position along the curved burr positioning segment, the burr positioning segment positions the burr laterally away from the guide wire, thus giving control over the lateral position of the burr within an artery. The device therefore allows selective removal of tissue from one side of an artery, permitting selective treatment of eccentric stenotic lesions without damaging the artery wall, and permitting treatment of lesions generally without blocking blood flow through the artery during use of the device.

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First Claim