Patent ID: 8491614
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An over-the-wire self-sizing, self-centering valvulotome comprising: a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein an actuation mechanism engages the catheter at the proximal end; a cutting unit having a plurality of cutting tools each cutting tool having (i) a first attached end mounted on the distal end of the catheter, (ii) a second free floating end, (iii) a cutting blade having a recessed cutting edge, and (iv) a self-sizing, self-centering arm; an atraumatic tip having a body sufficiently designed to allow the second free floating end of each of the cutting tools to move within the body; a retainer for temporarily shielding the cutting blades of each of the plurality of cutting tools, wherein the retainer includes (i) a plurality of slots in which the second free floating ends of the plurality of cutting tools are guided and (ii) a plurality of stop positions preventing the second free floating ends of the plurality of cutting tools from exiting the retainer; and a sheath slidably moveable over the plurality of cutting blades, wherein the catheter, the atraumatic tip, and the retainer have internal diameters configured for passing over a guidewire.