Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.

Preston L Grothe

Joseph P Higgins

Matthew D Cambronne

Nicholas W Rydberg

Benjamin D Haselman

William F Kuester, Iii

Joshua J Cranston

Ric A Gould

Jeffrey R Stone

Various embodiments of devices and systems comprising a polymer driveshaft for use in high-speed rotational medical procedures, e.g., atherectomy, are disclosed. Generally, the primary driveshaft for transferring torque and activating rotation of a tool attached thereto, e.g., an abrasive element, is constructed with at least a polymer outer and inner surface. In certain embodiments, the polymer driveshaft may comprise a metallic band for fixed attachment of a structure, e.g., an abrasive element, thereto. Various embodiments may comprise a coupler that connects a drive shaft connected with a prime mover, e.g., a turbine or electric motor, with the polymer drive shaft, the coupler comprising openings through the coupler wall to the inner diameter of the coupler to allow fluid flow to the inner diameter of the coupled polymer drive shaft.

Rotational systems comprising a polymer driveshaft

Various embodiments of devices and systems comprising a driveshaft for use in high-speed rotational medical procedures; e.g., atherectomy, are disclosed. Generally, the driveshaft is configured for transferring torque and activating rotation of a tool attached thereto, e.g., an abrading head, and is covered by a polymer jacket. In certain embodiments, the polymer jacket is allowed to rotate in response to the rotation of the drive shaft such that the polymer jacket is not fixed at its proximal end. Various embodiments of the drive shaft may include proximal and/or distal stops that enable the polymer jacket to move longitudinally between the stops, in embodiments comprising proximal and distal stops, or to the distal stop in embodiments comprising only a distal stop. Various embodiments of the devices and systems described herein optionally may include a metallic inner liner within the drive shaft, in addition to or instead of a polymer jacket.

Drive shaft with metallic inner layer and polymer jacket

Growing community of inventors

Maple Grove, MN, United States of America

Preston L Grothe