Balloon expandable atherectomy cutter
US5176693A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A balloon expandable atherectomy cutter for removing plaque from an artery includes an elongated cutter assembly having a plurality of blades which, with respect to the axis of rotation of the cutter, are radially separated from each other and axially aligned with each other. The assembly is mounted on the distal end of a rotatable catheter and is rotatable about a quide wire to cut plaque from an artery as it is rotated. An inflatable balloon, is mounted between an ovoid space formed between the blades. An inflator is connected with the balloon to inflate the balloon and urge it against the distal portion of the blades. In the operation of the cutter, when the balloon is deflated the blades establish a first radius of rotation which cuts through the plaque of a stenotic segment as the cutter is advanced into the artery. When the balloon is inflated, the blades are urged by the balloon into an expanded configuration wherein the blades establish a second radius or rotation, larger than the first radius, in order to cut plaque from the stenotic segment as the cutter is withdrawn from the artery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.