US5242460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Atherectomy catheter having axially-disposed cutting edge
Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1990-10-25
•
Granted: 1993-09-07
•
Expires: 2010-10-25
Abstract
Abstract Atherectomy catheters are described having a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted at the distal end of a catheter body. The head has an axially elongated aperture and an open interior. A severing means is disposed adjacent the elongated aperture such that atheromatous material invaginated by the head is severed and diverted into the interior of the head. A preferred embodiment has the elongated aperture helically-disposed about the central axis of the cylindrical head and a cutting means formed integrally along the periphery of the aperture. Another preferred embodiment has the cylindrical head provided with a tapered distal end that extends distally from a housing for the head and incorporates an extension of the elongated aperture.
Inventors
- 👤 Enrique J. Klein
- 👤 Mark E. Plaia
- 👤 James R. Kermode
- 👤 Donald S. Baim
- 👤 Richard P. Mueller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:59
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3205; A61B17/3207; A61B17/320783
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted at the distal end of the catheter body, said cylindrical head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, said aperture being helically disposed about a central axis of the cylindrical cutting head and subtending less than a complete turn thereabout; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; and means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted at the distal end of the catheter body, said cylindrical head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, said aperture being helically disposed about a central axis of the cylindrical cutting head and subtending less than a complete turn thereabout; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; and means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A catheter as in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is tapered at its distal end and wherein said tapered distal end extends out from the distal end of the catheter body.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter as in claim 2, wherein the axially elongated aperture extends to near the tapered distal end of the head.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
A catheter as in claim 1, wherein the means for severing and diverting comprises a cutting edge which forms at least a portion of a trailing edge of the aperture as the cylindrical cutting head is rotated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A catheter as in claim 4, wherein the means for severing and diverting further comprises a lip which is inclined radially inward along at least a portion of a leading edge of the aperture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
143 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a single axially-aligned elongated opening; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted in the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated; and means on the housing of urging the housing in the direction of the opening when the catheter is in a blood vessel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
143 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a single axially-aligned elongated opening; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted in the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated; and means on the housing of urging the housing in the direction of the opening when the catheter is in a blood vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A catheter as in claim 6, wherein the urging means comprises an inflatable balloon mounted externally on the housing and disposed generally opposite the elongated opening.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A catheter as in claim 6, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is tapered at its distal end and wherein said tapered distal end extends out from an opening in the distal end of the housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter as in claim 8, wherein the axially elongated aperture extends to near the tapered distal end of the head.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
A catheter as in claim 6, wherein the means for severing and diverting comprises a cutting edge which forms at least a portion of a trailing edge of the aperture as the cylindrical cutting head is rotated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A catheter as in claim 10, wherein the means for severing and diverting further comprises a lip which is inclined radially inward along at least a portion of a leading edge of the aperture.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A catheter as in claim 6, wherein the elongated aperture is helically-disposed about a central axis of the head.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter as in claim 12, wherein the helical aperture subtends less than a complete turn about the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter as in claim 12, wherein the helical aperture subtends at least one complete turn about the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
A catheter as in claim 6, further comprising means for withdrawing severed atheromatous material from the interior and through the forward distal end of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
A catheter as in claim 15, wherein the means for withdrawing severed atheromatous material comprises a spool which is slidably disposed within the interior of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for removing atheromatous material from a vascular lumen comprising: introducing the distal end of a catheter into the vascular lumen adjacent the atheromatous material; rotating a cylindrical cutting head mounted at the distal end of the catheter, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior, an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, and means for severing adjacent the aperture, whereby atheromatous material is severed and diverted into the interior of the head; displacing the cylindrical cutting head laterally as it is being rotated, whereby atheromatous material on the side of the catheter may be removed; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter from the vascular lumen while the severed material remains captured within the walls of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for removing atheromatous material from a vascular lumen comprising: introducing the distal end of a catheter into the vascular lumen adjacent the atheromatous material; rotating a cylindrical cutting head mounted at the distal end of the catheter, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior, an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, and means for severing adjacent the aperture, whereby atheromatous material is severed and diverted into the interior of the head; displacing the cylindrical cutting head laterally as it is being rotated, whereby atheromatous material on the side of the catheter may be removed; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter from the vascular lumen while the severed material remains captured within the walls of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 17, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is rotated relative to the catheter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 17, further comprising axially advancing the catheter within the lumen as the cylindrical cutting head is being rotated, wherein the means for severing includes a forwardly disposed cutting edge and whereby atheromatous material in front of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 17, further comprising axially advancing the cylindrical cutting head relative to the catheter as the cutting head is being rotated, wherein the means for severing includes a forwardly disposed cutting edge and whereby atheromatous material in front of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 17, wherein the entire catheter is rotated together with the rotating cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 17, wherein the means for severing is shielded within a housing while the catheter is being introduced to or withdrawn from the vascular lumen.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 17, wherein the catheter is axially stationary with the vascular lumen and the means for severing includes a rearwardly disposed cutting edge, whereby the catheter experiences a distal thrust.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
154 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a distal opening and a single axially-aligned elongated opening; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted in the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, said head having a tapered distal end which extends through the distal opening of the housing with the aperture extending to near the tapered distal end of the head; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; and means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
154 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a distal opening and a single axially-aligned elongated opening; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted in the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, said head having a tapered distal end which extends through the distal opening of the housing with the aperture extending to near the tapered distal end of the head; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; and means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
A catheter as in claim 24, further comprising an inflatable balloon mounted externally on the housing and disposed generally opposite the elongated opening.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
A catheter as in claim 24, wherein the means for severing and diverting comprises a cutting edge which forms at least a portion of a trailing edge of the aperture as the cylindrical cutting head is rotated.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
A catheter as in claim 24, wherein the means for severing and diverting further comprises a lip which is inclined radially inward along at least a portion of a leading edge of the aperture.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
A catheter as in claim 24, wherein the elongated aperture is helically disposed about a central axis of the head.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter as in claim 28, wherein the helical aperture subtends less than a complete turn about the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
A catheter as in claim 28, wherein the helical aperture subtends least one complete turn about the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
A catheter as in claim 24, further comprising means for withdrawing severed atheromatous material from the interior and through the forward distal end of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
A catheter as in claim 31, wherein the means for withdrawing severed atheromatous material comprises a spool which is slidably disposed within the interior of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
134 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a single axially-aligned elongated opening; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted in the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated helical aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, said aperture subtending less than a complete turn about the cylindrical cutting head; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
134 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a housing attached to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a single axially-aligned elongated opening; a cylindrical cutting head rotatably mounted in the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior and an axially elongated helical aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, said aperture subtending less than a complete turn about the cylindrical cutting head; means within the catheter body for rotating the cylindrical head; means disposed adjacent the elongated aperture of the cylindrical head for severing atheromatous material and diverting severed material into the interior of said head as the head is rotated.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
A catheter as in claim 33, further comprising an inflatable balloon mounted externally on the housing and disposed generally opposite the elongated opening.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
A catheter as in claim 33, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is tapered at its distal end and wherein said tapered distal end extends out from an opening in the distal end of the housing.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter as in claim 35, wherein the axially elongated aperture extends to near the tapered distal end of the head.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
A catheter as in claim 33, wherein the means for severing and diverting comprises a cutting edge which forms at least a portion of a trailing edge of the aperture as the cylindrical cutting head is rotated.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
A catheter as in claim 37, wherein the means for severing and diverting further comprises a lip which is inclined radially inward along at least a portion of a leading edge of the aperture.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
A catheter as in claim 33, further comprising means for withdrawing severed atheromatous material from the interior and through the forward distal end of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
A catheter as in claim 39, wherein the means for withdrawing severed atheromatous material comprises a spool which is slidably disposed within the interior of the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for removing atheromatous material from a vascular lumen comprising: introducing the distal end of a catheter into the vascular lumen adjacent the atheromatous material; rotating a cylindrical cutting head mounted at the distal end of the catheter, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior, an axially elongated aperture which is helically disposed in said wall and subtends less than one complete turn about the cylindrical head, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, and means for severing adjacent the aperture, whereby atheromatous material is severed, diverted into the interior of the head and captured therein by said walls; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter from the vascular lumen while the severed material remains within the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for removing atheromatous material from a vascular lumen comprising: introducing the distal end of a catheter into the vascular lumen adjacent the atheromatous material; rotating a cylindrical cutting head mounted at the distal end of the catheter, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior, an axially elongated aperture which is helically disposed in said wall and subtends less than one complete turn about the cylindrical head, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, and means for severing adjacent the aperture, whereby atheromatous material is severed, diverted into the interior of the head and captured therein by said walls; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter from the vascular lumen while the severed material remains within the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 41, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is rotated relative to the catheter.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 41, further comprising axially advancing the catheter within the lumen as the cylindrical cutting head is being rotated, wherein the means for severing includes a forwardly disposed cutting edge and whereby atheromatous material in front of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 41, further comprising axially advancing the cylindrical cutting head relative to the catheter as the cutting head is being rotated, wherein the means for severing includes a forwardly disposed cutting edge and whereby atheromatous material in front of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 41, further comprising displacing the cylindrical cutting head laterally as it is being rotated, whereby atheromatous material on the side of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 41, wherein the entire catheter is rotated together with the rotating cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 41, wherein the means for severing is shielded within a housing while the catheter is being introduced to or withdrawn from the vascular lumen.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 41, wherein the catheter is axially stationary with the vascular lumen and the means for severing includes a rearwardly disposed cutting edge, whereby the catheter experiences a distal thrust.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for removing atheromatous material from a vascular lumen comprising: introducing into the vascular lumen the distal end of a catheter comprising a housing having a single axially-aligned elongate opening at said distal end, a cylindrical cutting head mounted within the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior, an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, and means for severing adjacent the aperture, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is rotationally positioned within the housing so that the severing means is not exposed through the housing opening while the distal end is being introduced; rotating the cylindrical cutting head after the housing has been positioned adjacent a region of atheroma, whereby atheromatous material is severed, diverted into the interior of the head and captured therein by said walls; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter from the vascular lumen while the severed material remains within the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for removing atheromatous material from a vascular lumen comprising: introducing into the vascular lumen the distal end of a catheter comprising a housing having a single axially-aligned elongate opening at said distal end, a cylindrical cutting head mounted within the housing, said head having a cylindrical wall surrounding an open interior, an axially elongated aperture in said wall, said wall having a surface area excluding said aperture which is substantially greater than the area defined by said aperture, and means for severing adjacent the aperture, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is rotationally positioned within the housing so that the severing means is not exposed through the housing opening while the distal end is being introduced; rotating the cylindrical cutting head after the housing has been positioned adjacent a region of atheroma, whereby atheromatous material is severed, diverted into the interior of the head and captured therein by said walls; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter from the vascular lumen while the severed material remains within the cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 49, wherein the cylindrical cutting head is rotated relative to the catheter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 49, further comprising axially advancing the catheter within the lumen as the cylindrical cutting head is being rotated, wherein the means for severing includes a forwardly disposed cutting edge and whereby atheromatous material in front of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 49, further comprising axially advancing the cylindrical cutting head relative to the catheter as the cutting head is being rotated, wherein the means for severing includes a forwardly disposed cutting edge and whereby atheromatous material in front of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 49, further comprising displacing the cylindrical cutting head laterally as it is being rotated, whereby atheromatous material on the side of the catheter may be removed.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 45, wherein the entire catheter is rotated together with the rotating cylindrical cutting head.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 45, wherein the catheter is axially stationary with the vascular lumen and the means for severing includes a rearwardly disposed cutting edge, whereby the catheter experiences a distal thrust.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-09-06 | 1997-03-08 | 1997-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-06 | 2001-03-08 | 2001-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-06 | 2005-03-08 | 2005-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |