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Atherectomy catheter and RF cutting method

  • US 5,665,062 A
  • Filed: 01/23/1995
  • Issued: 09/09/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/23/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device for removing atheromas from a body lumen;

  • including;

    an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter near the distal end, and an window through the catheter wall to allow entry into the compartment;

    an electrically conductive tissue cutting element;

    a carrier mounted movably relative to the catheter, for supporting the cutting element proximate the window for a controlled movement thereof along and adjacent the window; and

    a heating means for generating an electrical current in the cutting element to heat the cutting element at least to a selected temperature above normal body temperature, and for maintaining the cutting element at least at said selected temperature during said controlled movement;

    wherein the catheter is flexible and maneuverable to locate the distal tip of the catheter within a body lumen and to place the window against a tissue wall segment of the body lumen to acquire tissue within the compartment, and the cutting element, when so heated and undergoing the controlled movement, severs the acquired tissue and heats tissue adjacent the cutting element while severing.

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