Over-the-wire atherectomy catheter

Abstract

An atherectomy catheter device includes a housing at the distal end of a substantially round housing torque cable. A cutter torque cable is disposed within the housing and includes a rotatable and translatable cutter at its distal end. The housing includes a window into which an atheroma protrudes. The cutter severs the atheroma. A nose cone attached to the distal end of the housing collects and stores severed atheroma. A stabilizing member is attached to the exterior of the housing opposite the window. A stabilizing member is disclosed including a balloon having an inflation lumen disposed within the housing. A mechanical stabilizing member is disclosed including a distal end attached to the distal end of the housing or to the nose cone, and a proximal end coupled to a stabilizing cable disposed within a cable lumen of the housing torque cable. The stabilizing cable may be advanced distally to bow the stabilizing member away from the housing and withdrawn proximally to flatten the stabilizing member against the housing, alternately urging the window side of the housing onto the atheroma and allowing it to retreat therefrom.