Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof; a cylindrical housing secured to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a substantially open interior and an axially-aligned, elongate aperture on one side thereof; a first helical cutting blade disposed within the housing adjacent the elongate aperture; means for rotating the first helical cutting blade; a circular cutting blade disposed within the housing; and means for rotating and advancing the circular cutting blade over the helical cutting blade, whereby the helical cutting blade acts as a guide for the circular cutting blade.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
An atherectomy catheter comprising: a catheter body having a lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof; a cylindrical housing secured to the distal end of the catheter body, said housing having a substantially open interior and an axially-aligned, elongate aperture on one side thereof; a first helical cutting blade disposed within the housing adjacent the elongate aperture; means for rotating the first helical cutting blade; a circular cutting blade disposed within the housing; and means for rotating and advancing the circular cutting blade over the helical cutting blade, whereby the helical cutting blade acts as a guide for the circular cutting blade.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical housing is flexible.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 2, wherein the flexible cylindrical housing is segmented.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 1, further comprising: a tamping surface disposed within the housing; and means for axially translating the tamping surface, whereby material severed by the helical cutting blade may be moved to one end of the cylindrical housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 1, further comprising: a circular cutting blade disposed within the cylindrical housing, said circular cutting blade having an interior diameter sufficient to circumscribe the helical cutting blade; and means for rotating and axially advancing the cutting blade over the helical cutting blade.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 5, wherein the circular cutting blade includes a cylindrical shank which receives the helical cutting blade as the circular cutting blade is rotated and advanced.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 6, wherein the cylindrical shank of the cutting blade is flexible.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
An atherectomy catheter as in claim 7, wherein the flexible shank comprises a coiled ribbon.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for severing atheroma within a blood vessel, said method comprising: positioning a housing within the blood vessel proximate the atheroma; and advancing a circular cutting blade over an elongate guide frame within the housing, said cutting blade being exposed to the atheroma through an opening in a side of the housing, whereby the atheroma is severed.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
58 words
A method for severing atheroma within a blood vessel, said method comprising: positioning a housing within the blood vessel proximate the atheroma; and advancing a circular cutting blade over an elongate guide frame within the housing, said cutting blade being exposed to the atheroma through an opening in a side of the housing, whereby the atheroma is severed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 9, further comprising rotating the circular cutting blade as it is advanced.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as in claim 9, wherein the elongate guide frame is a helical coil.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 11, further comprising rotating the helical coil as the cutting blade is advanced, whereby the severed atheroma is translated to one end of the housing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 11, wherein at least one edge of the helical coil is sharpened to enhance severing of the atheroma.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 9, further comprising urging the opening of the housing against the atheroma to envelope at least a portion of the atheroma within the housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 14, wherein the housing is urged by inflating a balloon which is disposed on the housing on a side opposite to that of the opening.