Guide wire passage creation device

Abstract

Abstract A device to be used in connection with re-vascularization, especially of the coronary arteries, makes it possible for conventional techniques such as angioplasty or atherectomy to be employed in totally or severely occluded blood vessels deemed otherwise impassable by a guide wire. A guide wire passage is created by providing a catheter (41) with a retractable cutting head (59) or laser source that penetrates the material (33) in a blood vessel. The device is centered and stabilized in the vessel by means of a circumferential balloon (45) so that the passage through the atheromatous material is in the desired direction. The circumferential balloon also prevents blood flow in the event of a break in the blood vessel wall.

Inventors

• 👤 David G. Rizik

Bibliographic Details