Patent ID: 6235042
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An atherectomy device comprising:a drive cable;a tubular member having a first and second hinge portions on each end of the tubular member, a portion defining a slot between the first and second hinge portions, and a cutting edge disposed along the slot, wherein the slot is less than the full radial circumference of the tubular member; anda plurality of tubular segments, each tubular segment comprising a first portion that has a first hinge portion and a second portion that has a second hinge portion, wherein the tubular member and the tubular segments are flexibly connected together at the hinge portions to form a chain that is coupled to the drive cable, a first tubular segment being coupled to the first hinge portion of the tubular member and a second tubular segment coupled to the second hinge portion of the tubular member, the chain being movable relative to the drive cable without exerting a bending force therebetween.