Importance

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Abstract

An abrasive drive shaft atherectomy device for removing stenotic tissue from an artery. The device includes a flexible, elongated drive shaft having a central lumen for receipt of a guide wire therein and around which the drive shaft may be rotated. The drive shaft is made from one or more helically wound wires. Wire turns of the proximal segment of the drive shaft have a generally constant diameter. Wire turns of a segment of the drive shaft near its distal end have an enlarged diameter. At least part of the enlarged diameter segment includes an external coating of an abrasive material to define an abrasive segment of the drive shaft which, when rotated at high speeds, is usable to remove stenotic tissue from an artery. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a bushing disposed in the enlarged diameter segment for supporting the enlarged diameter turns of the drive shaft. A gap may be provided in the turns of the drive shaft to permit imaging therethrough by an ultrasound imaging device disposed in the central lumen of the drive shaft. Preferably the drive shaft is made from inner and outer coaxial wire layers helically wound in opposite directions so that the outer layer tends to radially contract and the inner layer tends to radially expand when the drive shaft is rotated in a predetermined direction. In one such embodiment, a toroidal collar is positioned between the inner and outer layers of the enlarged diameter abrasive segment of the drive shaft.

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First Claim