Patent Publication Number: US-9883887-B2

Title: Rotational atherectomy device with exchangeable drive shaft and meshing gears

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/340,353 filed Jul. 24, 2014 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/950,402, filed Mar. 10, 2014, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/858,345 filed Jul. 25, 2013, the entirety of which prior filed applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The disclosure relates to devices and methods for removing tissue from body passageways, such as removal of atherosclerotic plaque from arteries, utilizing a rotational atherectomy device. In particular, the disclosure relates to improvements in a rotational atherectomy device having an exchangeable drive shaft. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A variety of techniques and instruments have been developed for use in the removal or repair of tissue in arteries and similar body passageways. A frequent objective of such techniques and instruments is the removal of atherosclerotic plaque in a patient&#39;s arteries. Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits (atheromas) in the intimal layer (i.e., under the endothelium) of a patient&#39;s blood vessels. Very often over time what initially is deposited as relatively soft, cholesterol-rich atheromatous material hardens into a calcified atherosclerotic plaque. Such atheromas restrict the flow of blood, and therefore often are referred to as stenotic lesions or stenoses, the blocking material being referred to as stenotic material. If left untreated, such stenoses can cause angina, hypertension, myocardial infarction, strokes and the like. 
     Several kinds of atherectomy devices have been developed for attempting to remove some or all of such stenotic material. In one type of device, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,134 (Auth), a rotating burr covered with an abrasive cutting material, such as diamond grit (diamond particles or dust), is carried at the distal end of a flexible, rotatable drive shaft. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,438 (Shturman) shows another atherectomy device having a rotatable drive shaft with a section of the drive shaft having an enlarged diameter, at least a segment of this enlarged diameter section being covered with an abrasive material to define an abrasive segment of the drive shaft. When rotated at high speeds, the abrasive segment is capable of removing stenotic tissue from an artery. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,407 (Auth) shows details of a type of handle which may be used in conjunction with rotational atherectomy devices of the type shown in the Auth &#39;134 and Shturman &#39;438 patents. A handle of the type shown in the Auth &#39;407 patent has been commercialized by Heart Technology, Inc. (Redmond, Wash.), now owned by Boston Scientific Corporation (Natick, Mass.) in the rotational atherectomy device sold under the trademark Rotablator®. The handle of the Rotablator® device includes a variety of components, including a compressed gas driven turbine, a mechanism for clamping a guide wire extending through the drive shaft, portions of a fiber optic tachometer, and a pump for pumping saline through the drive shaft. 
     The connection between the drive shaft (with its associated burr) and the turbine in the Rotablator® device is permanent; yet, frequently it is necessary to use more than one size burr during an atherectomy procedure. That is, often a smaller size burr is first used to open a stenosis to a certain diameter, and then one or more larger size burrs are used to open the stenosis further. Such use of multiple burrs of subsequently larger diameter is sometimes referred to as a “step up technique” and is recommended by the manufacturer of the Rotablator® device. In the multiple burr technique it is necessary to use a new Rotablator® device for each such successive size burr. Accordingly, there is a need for an atherectomy system that would permit a physician to use only one handle throughout an entire procedure and to attach to such handle an appropriate drive shaft and tissue removing implement (e.g., a burr) to initiate the procedure and then exchange the drive shaft and the tissue removing implement for a drive shaft having a tissue removing implement of a different size or even a different design. 
     A subsequent version of the Rotablator® has been introduced with the ability to exchange a flexible distal portion of the drive shaft together with a burr for another distal portion of a drive shaft having a different size burr. Technical details of such a system are contained in U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,190, titled “Connectable driveshaft system”, and issued on Jun. 16, 1998 to Wulfman. This system utilizes a flexible drive shaft having a connect/disconnect feature allowing the physician to disconnect the exchangeable distal portion of the flexible drive shaft together with the burr from the flexible proximal portion of the drive shaft which is connected to the turbine of the handle, thus permitting the burr size to be changed without discarding the entire atherectomy unit. Each exchangeable drive shaft portion is disposed within its own exchangeable catheter and catheter housing. The flexible proximal portion of the drive shaft in this system is permanently attached to the turbine and is not exchanged. This system has been commercialized by Boston Scientific under the trademark Rotalink System®. While the Rotalink System® does permit one to change the burr size, the steps required to actually disconnect the exchangeable portion of the drive shaft and replace it with another exchangeable portion of the drive shaft are quite involved and require relatively intricate manipulation of very small components. 
     First, a catheter housing must be disconnected from the handle and moved distally away from the handle to expose portions of both the proximal and distal sections of the flexible drive shaft which contain a disconnectable coupling. This coupling is disconnected by sliding a lock tube distally, permitting complementary lock teeth on the proximal and distal portions of the flexible drive shaft to be disengaged from each other. A similar flexible distal drive shaft portion with a different burr may then be connected to the flexible proximal portion of the drive shaft. To accomplish such assembly, the lock tooth on the proximal end of the distal replacement portion of the drive shaft must first be both longitudinally and rotationally aligned with the complementary lock tooth at the distal end of the proximal portion of the drive shaft. Since the flexible drive shaft typically is less than 1 mm in diameter, the lock teeth are similarly quite small in size, requiring not insignificant manual dexterity and visual acuity to properly align and interlock the lock teeth. Once the lock teeth have been properly interlocked with each other, the lock tube (also having a very small diameter) is slid proximally to secure the coupling. The catheter housing must then be connected to the handle housing. 
     While this system does permit one to exchange one size burr (together with a portion of the drive shaft) for a burr of another size, the exchange procedure is not an easy one and must be performed with considerable care. The individual performing the exchange procedure must do so while wearing surgical gloves to protect the individual from the blood of the patient and to maintain the sterility of the elements of the system. Surgical gloves diminish the tactile sensations of the individual performing the exchange procedure and therefore make such exchange procedure even more difficult. 
     In recent years, there has been an effort to develop an atherectomy device with easier attachment and/or exchange of the drive shaft and its tissue removing implement. 
     For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,749 (Shturman et al), U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,282 (Shturman et al), U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,734 (Shturman et al) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,852,118 (Shturman et al), all incorporated by reference in their entirety herein, disclose an atherectomy device having an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge comprising a housing that is removably attachable to the device&#39;s handle housing. The exchangeable cartridge includes a longitudinally movable tube that is removably attached to the prime mover carriage and a rotatable drive shaft that is removably attachable to the prime mover. A coupling is provided which connects the longitudinally extendible tube to the prime mover while indexing the relative position of the longitudinally extendible tube and the proximal portion of the drive shaft. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0087254 (Welty), incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, discloses an atherectomy device where the prime mover has a prime mover coupler and the drive shaft has a drive shaft coupler that is engageable with the prime mover coupler. The drive shaft coupler and prime mover coupler have engageable lateral cross-sections that are complementary and geometrically keyed to one another. When they are engaged to one another, the complementary cross-sections allow axial translation between the drive shaft coupler and the prime mover coupler while prohibiting rotational coupler between the drive shaft coupler and the prime mover coupler. 
     Other atherectomy devices, such as U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2011/0077673 (Grubac et al), utilize a magnetic clutch connection between the drive shaft and the prime mover. The drive shaft and the prime mover are held together longitudinally by a magnetic attractive force between the motor plate and the drive shaft plate. The torques between the motor and the drive shaft are transmitted completely between the motor plate and the drive shaft plate and, when below a threshold torque, the motor plate and the drive shaft plate remain held together rotationally by static friction. When the torques between the motor and the drive shaft are greater than the threshold torque, the motor plate and the drive shaft plate slip rotationally past each other, causing a residual torque to be transmitted between the motor and the drive shaft. 
     Although the above devices utilize friction or magnetic couplings to removably engage the drive shaft with the prime mover, some atherectomy devices have a driveshaft driven by a pair of mating gears, one gear connected to the drive shaft and one gear connected to the mating gear. Due to this gearing arrangement, the atherectomy device is generally restricted to one shaft size per assembly. Typically the gear connected to the drive shaft is not replaced, so any exchangeable drive shaft must be sized to properly engage with the drive shaft. Thus, multiple atherectomy devices are needed for each desired drive shaft diameter. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for an atherectomy device with the mating gear assembly where the drive shaft is exchangeable for another drive shaft of either the same size or another size. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device includes a handle having a proximal section, a distal section having a channel extending proximally from an opening in a distal end of the handle, and an elongated hollow intermediate section between the proximal and the distal sections. The intermediate section includes an opening between an interior thereof and the channel in the distal section, and a slot. The device further includes a prime mover carriage having a prime mover, and a prime mover gear fixedly attached to a shaft of the prime mover. The prime mover carriage is disposed within the interior of the intermediate section. The device further includes a control knob having at least a portion thereof extending through the slot in the intermediate section and operationally coupled to the prime mover carriage such that a longitudinal displacement of the control knob induces a longitudinal displacement of the prime mover carriage. The control knob is operable to an unlocked state for permitting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob, and to a locked state for inhibiting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob. Some embodiments of the device include an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge having a proximal section and a distal section, and a drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The drive shaft extends through an opening in the distal section of the drive shaft cartridge. The drive shaft cartridge includes a gear engagement assembly having a drive shaft gear fixedly attached to the proximal end of the drive shaft. Some embodiments of the device include one or more connectors for removably connecting the distal section of the handle and the distal section of the drive shaft cartridge to one another. Certain embodiments of the one or more connectors includes complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section of each connector is integrally formed with the distal section of handle, and the complementary second section of each connector is integrally formed with the distal section of the drive shaft cartridge. The device includes at least one alignment element on at least one of the gear engagement assembly, the prime mover carriage and the interior of the intermediate section of the handle. The at least one alignment element is configured for aligning at least the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear with one another when the gear engagement assembly is extended into the interior of the intermediate section and positioned proximate the prime mover. The device further includes at least one biasing element configured for removably meshing the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear when the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear are aligned with one another such that a rotational movement of one of the prime mover and the drive shaft induces a rotational movement in the other. 
     Another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device includes a handle having a proximal section, a distal section having a channel extending proximally from an opening in a distal end of the handle, and an elongated intermediate section having a trough extending between the proximal and the distal sections. The device further includes a prime mover carriage having a prime mover, and a prime mover gear fixedly attached to a shaft of the prime mover. The prime mover carriage disposed within the trough of the intermediate section. Some embodiments of the device include an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge having a proximal section and a distal section, a slot in an intermediate section extending between the proximal and the distal sections, a drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The drive shaft extends through an opening in the distal section of the drive shaft cartridge. The drive shaft cartridge includes a gear engagement assembly having a drive shaft gear fixedly attached to the proximal end of the drive shaft, and a control knob having at least a portion thereof extending through the slot and operationally coupled to the drive shaft cartridge such that a longitudinal displacement of the control knob induces a longitudinal displacement of the drive shaft cartridge. The control knob can be operated to an unlocked state for permitting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob, and to a locked state for inhibiting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob. Certain embodiments of the device include one or more connectors for removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge to one another. Some embodiments of the one or more connectors include complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the handle, and the complementary second section is integrally formed with the drive shaft cartridge. The handle and the drive shaft cartridge are removably connected by removably meshing the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear by juxtaposing the prime mover carriage and the gear engagement assembly, and concurrently displacing the handle and the drive shaft cartridge in opposite directions. 
     Yet another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device includes a handle having a proximal section, a distal section having a trough, and an elongated hollow intermediate section between the proximal and the distal sections. The intermediate section includes an opening between an interior thereof and the trough, and a slot. The device further includes a prime mover carriage having a prime mover and a prime mover gear fixedly attached to a shaft of the prime mover. In some embodiments, the prime mover carriage is disposed within the interior of the intermediate section. Some embodiments of the device include a control knob having at least a portion thereof extending through the slot and operationally coupled to the prime mover carriage such that a longitudinal displacement of the control knob induces a longitudinal displacement of the prime mover carriage. The control knob can be operated to an unlocked state for permitting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob, and to a locked state for inhibiting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob. The device further includes an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge having a proximal section and a distal section, and a drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The drive shaft extends through an opening in the distal section of the drive shaft cartridge. The drive shaft cartridge includes a gear engagement assembly having a drive shaft gear fixedly attached to the proximal end of the drive shaft, and one or more connectors for removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge to one another, wherein each of the one or more connectors includes complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the handle and the complementary second section is integrally formed with the drive shaft cartridge. The handle and the drive shaft cartridge are removably connected by inserting at least the gear engagement assembly through the opening in the intermediate section of the handle, removably meshing the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear by juxtaposing the prime mover carriage and the gear engagement assembly, and displacing the handle and the drive shaft cartridge in opposite directions. 
     Another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device includes a handle having a proximal section, a distal section, and an elongated hollow intermediate section between the proximal and the distal sections. The intermediate section includes a door for accessing an interior thereof, an opening between the interior and the distal section, and a slot. The device further includes a prime mover carriage having a prime mover, and a prime mover gear fixedly attached to a shaft of the prime mover. In certain embodiments, the prime mover carriage is disposed within the interior of the intermediate section. Some embodiments of the device include a control knob having at least a portion thereof extending through the slot and operationally coupled to the prime mover carriage such that a longitudinal displacement of the control knob induces a longitudinal displacement of the prime mover carriage. Certain embodiments of the control knob can be operated to an unlocked state for permitting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob, and to a locked state for inhibiting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob. The device further includes an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge having a drive shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and through an opening in a distal section of the drive shaft cartridge. The drive shaft cartridge includes a gear engagement assembly having a drive shaft gear fixedly attached to the proximal end of the drive shaft. Certain embodiments of the device include a first connector for removably and pivotally connecting the prime mover carriage and the gear engagement assembly to one another and for aligning at least the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear with one another. Some embodiments of the first connector include complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the prime mover carriage, and the second section is integrally formed with the gear engagement assembly. The device further includes a second connector for removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge to one another, wherein removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge using the second connector removably meshes the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear, such that a rotational movement of one of the prime mover and the drive shaft induces a rotational movement in the other. 
     Yet another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device includes a handle having a proximal section, a distal section having a channel extending proximally from an opening in a distal end of the handle, and an elongated hollow intermediate section between the proximal and the distal sections. The intermediate section includes an opening between an interior thereof and the channel in the distal section, and a slot. Embodiments of the device include a prime mover carriage having a prime mover, and a prime mover gear fixedly attached to a shaft of the prime mover. In certain embodiments, the prime mover carriage is disposed within the interior of the intermediate section. Some embodiments of the device include a control knob having at least a portion thereof extending through the slot and operationally coupled to the prime mover carriage such that a longitudinal displacement of the control knob induces a longitudinal displacement of the prime mover carriage. In certain embodiments, the control knob can be operated to an unlocked state for permitting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob, and to a locked state for inhibiting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob. Embodiments of the device further include an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge having a proximal section and a distal section, a drive shaft extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The drive shaft extends through an opening in the distal section of the drive shaft cartridge. The drive shaft cartridge includes a gear engagement assembly having a drive shaft gear fixedly attached to the proximal end of the drive shaft. Some embodiments of the device include a first connector for removably and pivotally connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge to one another, and a second connector for removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge to one another. 
     In some embodiments of the device, the first connector is a pivoting connector having complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the distal section of the handle, and the complementary second section is integrally formed with the drive shaft cartridge. In certain embodiments, the second connector includes complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the handle, and the second section is integrally formed with the proximal section of the drive shaft cartridge. Removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge using the second connector removably meshes the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear, such that a rotational movement of one of the prime mover and the drive shaft induces a rotational movement in the other. 
     In certain embodiments of the device, the first connector is a pivoting connector having complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the handle, and the second section is integrally formed with the proximal section of the drive shaft cartridge. In some embodiments, the second connector includes complementary first and second sections, wherein the first section is integrally formed with the distal section of the handle, and the second section is integrally formed with the drive shaft cartridge. At least the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear are aligned with one another when the handle and the drive shaft cartridge are removably and pivotally connected using the first connector. Removably connecting the handle and the drive shaft cartridge using the second connector removably meshes the prime mover gear and the drive shaft gear, such that a rotational movement of one of the prime mover and the drive shaft induces a rotational movement in the other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates the device of  FIG. 1A  in an unloaded state; 
         FIG. 1C  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge for the device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1E  is a perspective view of the drive shaft cartridge of  FIG. 1D  illustrating a drive shaft in a telescoped state; 
         FIG. 1F  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of at least a portion of a distal section of the drive shaft cartridge of  FIG. 1D ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a prime mover carriage within the unloaded device of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a detailed longitudinal cross-sectional view of the prime mover carriage of  FIG. 2A  with the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge of  FIG. 1D  attached thereto; 
         FIG. 2C  is a detailed perspective view of a proximal section of the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge of  FIG. 1D ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating embodiments of a prime mover carriage and a gear engagement assembly in an un-meshed state; 
         FIG. 3B  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the prime mover carriage and the gear engagement assembly of  FIG. 3A  in a un-meshed state; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a distal section in an embodiment of an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge for another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-section view of a portion of the distal section of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a handle configured for removably connecting with the distal section of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a top view of a distal section of the handle of  FIG. 4C ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device in a dis-assembled state; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device in a dis-assembled state; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view illustrating an embodiment of a pivoting connector for a prime mover carriage and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge in the device of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device; and 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram representation of an embodiment of a system for performing an atherectomy procedure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of the various embodiments illustrated in the appended figures, like components and elements are identified using like reference numerals. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively, are perspective views of an embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device  100  in a “loaded” and an “unloaded” state, and  FIG. 1C  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view the device  100  in the “loaded” state. The device  100  includes a handle  102  and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  104  that can be removably connected to one another. The device  100  is considered to be in the “loaded” state when the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  are connected to one another, and is considered to be in the “unloaded” state when the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  are separated from one another. The drive shaft cartridge  104  is referenced as “exchangeable” because the device  100  is configured for enabling an operator to use different drive shaft cartridges with the same handle  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the handle  102  includes a proximal section  106 , a distal section  108 , and an elongated hollow intermediate section  110  extending between the proximal and distal sections  106  and  108 , respectively. In some embodiments, the distal section  108  includes a channel  112  extending proximally from an opening  114  in a distal end  116  of the handle  102 . The channel  112  and the opening  114  are configured for passage therethrough of at least a portion of the drive shaft cartridge  104 . The intermediate section  110  includes an opening  118  between a longitudinally extending interior  120  of the intermediate section  110  and the channel  112  in the distal section  108 . The opening  118  is also configured for passage therethrough of at least a portion of the drive shaft cartridge  104 . The intermediate section  110  further includes a longitudinally extending slot  122  extending into the interior  120 . 
     The interior  120  is configured for housing and for the longitudinal displacement therewithin of a prime mover carriage  124 . As further described elsewhere with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the prime mover carriage  124  includes a prime mover  126  having a prime mover gear  128  fixedly attached to a shaft  130  of the prime mover  126 . In some embodiments, the prime mover  126  is a turbine that can be operated using a variety of means including fluids such as liquid and compressed gas. In other embodiments, the prime mover  126  is an electric motor that can be operated using a variety of electrical sources including an alternate current (AC) source and a direct current (DC) source. 
     The device  100  further includes at least one control knob  132  having a portion  134  extending through the slot  122  and operationally coupled to the prime mover carriage  124 . Accordingly, a longitudinal displacement of the control knob  132  as indicated by the arrow  136  will induce a longitudinal displacement of the prime mover carriage  124 , and the prime mover  126  included therewith. In some embodiments, a position of the prime mover carriage  124  within the intermediate section  110  can be fixed or locked, as needed, using the control knob  132 . For instance, the control knob  132  can be operated into a locked state for inhibiting the longitudinal displacement of the control knob  132  and of the prime mover carriage  124  coupled thereto. The longitudinal displacement of the control knob  132 , and of the prime mover carriage  124  coupled thereto, can be enabled or permitted by operating the control knob  132  into an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the locked and unlocked state are attained by rotating the control knob  132 . In alternate embodiments, the control knob  132  can be operated in a different manner for providing the described functionality. In other embodiments, alternative configurations can be included for fixing or locking the position of the prime mover carriage  124 , wherein the control knob  132 , or some other means, is used for the longitudinal displacement of the prime mover carriage  124 . All alternatives as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
       FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  104 . As illustrated, the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  104  includes a proximal section  138 , a distal section  140 , a drive shaft  142 , and a gear engagement assembly  144 . The drive shaft  142  includes a proximal end and a distal end, and extends through an opening  146  in the distal section  140 . In some embodiments, the opening  146  is through a distal end of the drive shaft cartridge  104 . However, this is neither required or necessary. For instance, in alternate embodiments, the drive shaft  142  can extend through an opening in a side of the distal section  140 . The gear engagement assembly  144  includes a drive shaft gear  148  fixedly attached to the proximal end of the drive shaft  142  such that rotating the drive shaft gear  148  will rotate the drive shaft  142 . 
     In some embodiments, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  can be removably meshed (or engaged). As such, when the gears are meshed, operating the prime mover  126  will induce a rotational movement in the prime mover gear  128 , the drive shaft gear  148  and the drive shaft  142 . The rotational movement of the drive shaft  142  can be stopped by un-meshing (or disengaging) the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  and/or by stopping the prime mover  126 . As will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, the rotational speed of the drive shaft  142  will be determined at least in part by the gear ratio of the drive shaft gear  148  to the prime mover gear  128  and by the rotational speed of the prime mover  126 . In certain embodiments, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are substantially similar in that they are of the same diameter and have the same number of teeth. In such embodiments, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will have substantially similar rotational speeds. In other embodiments, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  can have different rotational speeds such that one of the two meshed gears rotates faster or slower than the other. As will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, this can be accomplished by decreasing the diameter and increasing the number of teeth for one of the two gears relative to the other. While the embodiments describe and illustrate only one prime mover gear  128  and only one drive shaft gear  142 , such arrangements and quantities of gears should not be considered as limiting. For instance, although not shown, some embodiments of the device  100  may include a gear box having one or more additional gears meshed with the one prime mover gear  128  and the one drive shaft gear  148 . 
     In some embodiments, the prime mover  126  and the drive shaft  142  are rotatably coupled with a mechanism that can both engage and disengage the prime mover  126  and the drive shaft  142  from one another. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the mechanism is a clutch mechanism, including a magnetic clutch. 
     In order to use the device  100 , it must be “loaded” by connecting the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  to one another such that the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are meshed. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by inserting at least the gear engagement assembly  144  into the handle  102  and juxtaposing it with the prime mover carriage  124 . 
     The channel  112  and the openings  114  and  118  are configured for passage therethrough of at least the gear engagement assembly  144 . The gear engagement assembly  144  is inserted into the opening  114 , advanced through the channel  112  and the opening  118 , and into the interior  120  of the intermediate section  110 . Thereafter, the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are advanced towards one another, either in combination or individually one towards the other, until the prime mover gear  128  and drive shaft gear  148  are aligned with one another. In some embodiments, before the gear engagement assembly  144  is advanced through the opening  118 , the prime mover carriage  124  is displaced towards the opening  118  and held thereat by operating the control knob  132  to its locked state. Thereafter, the gear engagement assembly  144  is advanced through the opening  118  until the prime mover gear  128  and drive shaft gear  148  are aligned with one another. 
     For ensuring alignment of the prime mover gear  128  and drive shaft gear  148 , some embodiments of the device  100  include at least one alignment element for guiding at least the gear engagement assembly  144 . In some embodiments of the device  100 , at least a portion of an alignment element is provided in one or more of the channel  112 , the openings  114  and  118 , the interior  120 , the prime mover carriage  124 , and the gear engagement assembly  144 . In certain embodiments of the device  100 , the alignment element can include at least a first and a second complementary section, wherein the first section is disposed on the gear engagement assembly  144  and the second section is disposed on any one or more of the channel  112 , the openings  114  and  118 , the interior  120 , and the prime mover carriage  124 . For instance, the alignment element may include a tongue-and-groove configuration, wherein the first section, i.e., the tongue, is disposed on the gear engagement assembly  144  and the second section, i.e., the groove, is contiguously or sectionally (e.g., piece-wise) disposed on one or more of the channel  112 , the openings  114  and  118 , the interior  120 , and the prime mover carriage  124 . Of course, the components or elements of the device  100  on which the tongue and the groove are disposed can be reversed. It should be appreciated that it is not always necessary or a requirement that the alignment element include both a first and a section. In some embodiments, the components and/or elements of the device  100  can be configured such that only one section of the alignment element is required. Some non-limiting examples for the alignment element include one or more ramps, ribs, rails, and channels. All alternative configurations for the alignment element as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an alignment element having first and second complementary sections is illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C .  FIG. 2A  is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the prime mover carriage  124  without the gear engagement assembly  144  attached thereto;  FIG. 2B  is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating a state of the prime mover carriage  124  with the gear engagement assembly  144  attached thereto; and  FIG. 2C  is a close-up perspective view of the proximal section  138  of the drive shaft cartridge  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment element includes a first and a second section. The first section, disposed on the prime mover carriage  124 , is defined at least in part by an insertion channel  150 . In some embodiments, the insertion channel  150  is defined at least in part by first and second guides  152  and  154 , respectively. In some embodiments, the second guide  154  is defined at least in part by a ramped planar surface having a thickness that increases from a distal end to a proximal end of the second guide  154 . The second section of the alignment element, illustrated in  FIG. 2C , is disposed on at least the proximal section  138  of the drive shaft carriage  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second section is defined at least in part by one or more indents  156 ,  158  configured for slidable engagement with one or both of the first and second guides  152  and  154 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  100  includes at least one biasing element for meshing the aligned prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  154  such that when the gears are meshed, a rotational movement of one of the prime mover  126  and the drive shaft  142  will induce a rotational movement in the other. In some embodiments, the at least one biasing element displaces at least the prime mover gear  126  towards a location whereat the drive shaft gear  142  will be positioned when the gears  126  and  142  are aligned. In other embodiments, the at least one biasing element displaces at least the drive shaft gear  142  towards a location whereat the prime mover gear  126  will be positioned when the gears  126  and  142  are aligned. In alternate embodiments, the device  100  can include one or more biasing elements configured for displacing both the prime mover gear  126  and the drive shaft gear  142  towards one another when the gears  126  and  142  are aligned. Non-limiting examples of biasing elements include compression springs, coil springs, leaf springs, and other suitable components and/or materials. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the device  100  having a spring  160  biasing element configured for biasing at least the prime mover gear  128  towards the drive shaft gear  148 . When the device  100  is not loaded and/or the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are not juxtaposed, the spring  160  pushes at least the prime mover gear  128  towards the location whereat the drive shaft gear  148  will be positioned when the gears  128  and  148  will be aligned when the device  100  is loaded. The alignment element is configured for inhibiting or minimizing roll, pitch and yaw of the gear engagement assembly  144  and the prime mover carriage  124  as they are advanced towards one another when loading the device  100 . As the leading edge of the gear engagement assembly  144  enters the insertion channel  150  and the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  advance towards each other, the ramped planar surface of the second guide  154  causes the proximal section of the prime mover carriage  124 , and at least the prime mover gear  128 , to move in a direction away from the advancing drive shaft gear  148 . When the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are appropriately juxtaposed, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be aligned, and the gears  128  and  148  will mesh because of the biasing force from the spring  160 . While only one spring  160  is illustrated and described with reference to the  FIGS. 2A and 2B , it should be readily apparent that more than one spring can be used for providing the required functionality. Accordingly, all such alternatives are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the prime mover carriage  124  includes one or more alignment pins  162  and the gear engagement assembly  144  includes one or more correspondingly aligned apertures configured for receiving the one or more alignment pins  162 . The one or more alignment pins  162  and the one or more apertures are configured and located such that when the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are properly juxtaposed, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be aligned as required, and the one or more alignment pins  162  and the corresponding aperture will engage. Accordingly, further relative displacement of the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  will be inhibited and the alignment of the gears  128  and  148  will be maintain. Spring forces from the one or more biasing elements will mesh the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148 . 
     In some embodiments, the drive shaft cartridge  104  includes a releasable locking feature that engages with a releasable locking feature on at least one of the handle  102  and the prime mover carriage  124 . In some embodiments, a self-releasing locking mechanism  204  is provided at or near the proximal end of the prime moving carriage  124 . In the embodiment shown, the self-releasing locking mechanism  204  is positioned proximal of the prime mover gear  128 . In some embodiments, at least a portion of the proximal section  138  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  is engaged with the self-releasing locking mechanism  204 . In some embodiments, the handle  102  also has a self-releasing locking mechanism  206  within channel  208 . In certain embodiments, the one or more self-releasing locking mechanisms  204  and  206  are configured for inhibiting the displacement or movement of the prime mover carriage  124  while it is not connected with the drive shaft cartridge  104 . When the device  100  is “loaded” and the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are meshed, the one or more self-releasing locking mechanisms  204  and  206  is disengaged. 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an alternate embodiment of an elongated biasing element  164  that may also be used as an alignment element. The biasing element  164  includes a distal end fixedly or removably attached to or integrally formed with the drive shaft cartridge  104  at a location distal from the gear engagement assembly  144 . In certain embodiments, the biasing element  164  extends proximally and is configured such that in the absence of any external force, a proximal end  166  thereof extends away from the gear engagement assembly  144 . When appropriate force is applied on at least a portion of the biasing element  164 , the proximal end  166  is displaced in the direction indicated by the arrow  168  towards the gear engagement assembly  144  and spring force is stored in the biasing element  164 . Then, when the applied force is removed, the stored spring force will urge the proximal end  166  away from the gear engagement assembly  144  in the direction opposite that indicated by the arrow  168 . 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the biasing element  164  can be configured as the first section of an alignment element, and the second section of the alignment element can be disposed on at least a portion of the handle  102 . The second section can be a groove or similar structure configured for slidable engagement with the biasing element  164 . In some embodiments, the second element is disposed on, e.g., integrally formed with, the prime mover carriage  124 . Additionally, or in the alternative, at least a portion of the handle  102  distal from the prime mover carriage  124  can include the second section of the alignment element. For example, the second section can be disposed on at least one or more of the opening  114  in the distal end  116  of the handle  102 , portions of or the entire channel  112  extending proximally from the opening  114 , the opening  118  in the intermediate section  110 , and at least a portion of the interior  120  proximal of the opening  118 . 
     In some embodiments, the second section of the alignment element can include an indent  170  configured for removably receiving the proximal end  166  of the biasing element  164  and inhibiting further displacement of the drive shaft cartridge  104  in the proximal direction within the handle  102 . In particular, the displacement of the gear engagement assembly  144  in the proximal direction within the handle  102  is inhibited. Accordingly, it should be readily apparent that the proximal end  166  and the indent  170  must have complementary configurations such that the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are aligned when the proximal end  166  is removably received within the indent  170 . For loading the device  100 , the proximal end  166  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are displaced towards one another and both are then inserted through the opening  114  into the handle  102 . The gear engagement assembly  144  and the prime mover carriage  124  are displaced towards one another until the proximal end  166  of the biasing element  164  is removably received within the indent  170 . The prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be aligned with one another, and the spring force stored within the biasing element  164  will cause the gears  128  and  148  to mesh. 
     Some embodiments of the device  100  can include one or more release mechanisms for separating, e.g., un-meshing, the meshed gears  126  and  142  so that the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  104  can be removed from the handle  102 . In other embodiments of the device  100 , one or more of the handle  102 , the drive shaft cartridge  104  and the alignment element can be configured such that a displacement of the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  away from one another will separate the juxtaposed prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  and also separate, e.g., un-mesh, the meshed gears  126  and  142 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are partial side views of an embodiment for meshing the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  with one another in an embodiment of the device  100 . As described elsewhere, embodiments of the devices disclosed herein, e.g., device  100 , include a handle defined at least in part by an elongated hollow intermediate section.  FIG. 3A  illustrates a portion of an interior  302  within an embodiment of an elongated hollow intermediate section of a handle, e.g., handle  102 . As with interior  120 , the interior  302  is configured for housing and for a linear displacement of a gear engagement assembly  304  and a prime mover carriage  306 . In several respects the embodiments of the gear engagement assembly  304  and of the prime mover carriage  306 , respectively, are substantially similar to the gear engagement assembly  144  and the prime mover carriage  124  described elsewhere with reference to the device  100 . As such, the gear engagement assembly  304  includes a drive shaft gear  308  fixedly attached to a proximal end of a drive shaft extending distally therefrom. And, the prime mover carriage  306  includes a prime mover  310  having a prime mover gear  312  fixedly attached to a shaft  314  thereof. 
     As shown, the interior  302  includes a guide rail  316  extending through at least a portion thereof. In some embodiments, the guide rail  316  divides the interior  302  into at least a first section  318  and a second section  320 . As illustrated, the first section  318  is configured for accommodating the gear engagement assembly  304  and the prime mover carriage  306  while the drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  are aligned with one another but are not meshed. The second section  320  is configured for accommodating the gear engagement assembly  304  and the prime mover carriage  306  after the drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  are meshed. The guide rail  316  further includes a transition section  322  extending between the first and the second sections  318  and  320 , respectively. In some embodiments, the transition section  322  is configured for advancing at least the aligned drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  towards one another while the gear engagement assembly  304  and the prime mover carriage  306  are displaced, either singularly or in combination, from the first section  318  into the second section  320 . As will be apparent, the transition section  322  is therefore configured for meshing the aligned drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  when they are displaced from the first section  318  into the second section  320 . In the illustrated embodiment, while the gear engagement assembly  304  and the prime mover carriage  306  are together displaced from the first section  318  into the second section  320 , the transition section  322  causes the prime mover carriage  306  to pivot about a pivot point  324  such that at least the prime mover gear  312  is displaced towards, and meshed with, the drive shaft gear  308 . In some embodiments, reversing the displacement of the gear engagement assembly  304  and the prime mover carriage  306  from the second section  320  into the first section  318  will un-mesh the drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  from one another. The drive shaft cartridge of which the gear engagement assembly  304  is a component of, can be removed from the handle and replaced with a different or another similar drive shaft cartridge having a gear engagement assembly substantially similar to the gear engagement assembly  304 . 
     In the first section  318  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the prime mover carriage  306  is shown tilted about the pivot point  324  such that the drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  are separated from, and not meshed with, one another. In some embodiments, the illustrated tilting of the prime mover carriage  306  may be due to gravitational forces. Although not shown, other embodiments can include one or more biasing elements configured to tilt the prime mover carriage  306  as illustrated. Non-limiting exemplary biasing elements include coiled springs, leaf springs and similar components configured to store spring forces when displace from their “normal” state. For instance, one or more coil springs, each having a compressed state as its “normal” state, may be provided whereby, in the first section  318 , the prime mover carriage  306  is tilted as illustrated in  FIG. 3A . Displacing the prime mover carriage  306 , with the gear engagement assembly  304 , into the second section  320 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , will “stretch” the one or more springs and store spring forces therewithin. The subsequent displacement of the prime mover carriage  306 , with the gear engagement assembly  304 , from the second section  320  into the first section  318  will “release” the spring forces whereby the prime mover carriage  306  will tilt as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , and the drive shaft gear  308  and the prime mover gear  312  will un-mesh, i.e., separate from one another. 
     In order to use the device  100 , the distal section  108  of the handle  102  and the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  need be coupled to one another such that during use, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  remain meshed with one another within the handle  102 . To that end, embodiments of the device  100  may include one or more connectors and associated release mechanisms, respectively, configured for engaging and separating or disengaging the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  from one another. As stated, such coupling needs to be releasable because it may be desirable or necessary to replace the drive shaft cartridge  104  during the procedure. Accordingly, some embodiments of the one or more connectors include complementary first and second sections that can be integrally formed, respectively, with the distal section  108  of the handle  102  and with the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104 . The first and second sections are configured for being removably coupled to each other. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the component on which the first and the second sections are formed can be reversed without affecting the required functionality. In other words, the functionality of the connector will not change if the first section is integrally formed with the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  and the second section integrally formed with the distal section  108  of the handle  102 . 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an embodiment of a connector configured for keeping the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  connected to one another while the device  100  is in use. The connector includes a tabbed connector  172  integrally formed with the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  and one or more complementary holes  176  integrally formed with the distal section  108  of the handle  102 . The tabbed connector  172  includes one or more tabs  174 , each of which removably engages with a complementary hole  176  in the distal section  108 . When the device  100  is “loaded,” i.e., the distal sections  108  and  140  abut one another, the tabbed connector  172  prevents separation of the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  while the device  100  is in use during a procedure. For “unloading” the device  100 , i.e., separating the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  from one another, the distal sections  108  and  140  can be disengaged from one another by applying pressure to the tabs  174  in the direction indicated by the arrows  178 , and displacing the distal sections  108  and  140  away from one another. 
     In some embodiments, when the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  104  is loaded, and the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are properly meshed and engaged with one another, a gap may exist between the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  and the distal end  116  of the handle  102 . In some embodiments, the one or more connectors for removably connecting the distal end  116  of the handle  102  and the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  with one another can include a sealing mechanism for creating a sealed coupling therebetween. 
     Alternate exemplary embodiments of one or more connectors and associated release mechanisms includes snap-fit connectors, tongue and groove connectors, rails, rotatable connectors, bayonet mounts and ribs. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the sealing mechanism (i.e., the one or more connectors) can be a bayonet mount wherein a rotational displacement of the handle  102  and/or the drive shaft cartridge  104  in opposite directions, after being juxtaposed, connects or disconnects the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  from one another. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more connectors for removably connecting the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  with one another is also configured to function as a seal. For example, the one or more connectors can also foam a fluidic seal that inhibits any flow of fluid therethrough. 
     Other embodiments of one or more release mechanisms as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the device  100  includes a guide wire clamp or brake  180  in the proximal section  106  of the handle  102 . Engaging the guide wire clamp or brake  180  enables the user of the device  100  to stop the insertion or retraction of a guide wire  182  extending through the device  100 . When the guide wire clamp or brake  180  is operated to its dis-engaged state, the guide wire  182  can then be inserted or retracted. 
     In some embodiments, the proximal section  106  of the handle  102  includes at least one control panel  184  through which the user can monitor and/or control the operation of the device  100 . Some embodiments of the at least one control panel  184  enable the user of the device  100  to start, stop, change and monitor the rotational speed of the prime mover  126  which affects the rotational speed of the drive shaft  142 . Certain embodiments of the at least one control panel  184  enable the user of the device  100  to monitor and/or control the flow of saline. Some embodiments of the device  100  may include one or more fiber optic cables extending into the vasculature of a patient. In such embodiments of the device  100 , the at least one control panel  184  may be configured for displaying visuals, e.g., images, of the interior of the vasculature. Certain embodiments of the device  100  may include one or more sensors for sensing conditions such as whether or not the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  are properly coupled as required for operating the device  100 . The one or more sensors may also include means for sensing parameters such as the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.) within the vasculature and/or the physical conditions (e.g., thickness, pliability, etc.) of the vasculature. Accordingly, some embodiments of the at least one control panels  184  may be configured for displaying the sensed conditions. Certain embodiments of the at least one control panels  184  may include at least a micro-processor, memory, display interfaces, input/output ports or interfaces, etc. All functionalities of the at least one control panel  184  as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     As described elsewhere, certain embodiments of the device  100  include one or more sensors for detecting whether or not the handle  102  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  are properly connected. More specifically, the one or more sensors are configured to detect whether or not the distal end  116  of the handle  102  and the proximal end of the distal section  140  are properly connected. If proper connection as required for operating the device  100  is not detected, the drive shaft  142  may be inhibited from advancing and/or rotating. This is also applicable for embodiments wherein the drive shaft  142  is configured as a telescoping drive shaft as illustrated in  FIG. 1E . 
     In some embodiments of the device  100 , the distal section  140  of the drive shaft cartridge  104  includes a nosecone  186 . In embodiments of the device  100  wherein the drive shaft  142  is telescoping, the nosecone  186  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  are configured for being removably attached to one another.  FIG. 1F  illustrates an embodiment wherein the nosecone  186  includes a proximally extending structure  188  and the drive shaft cartridge  104  includes an output gear hypotube  190 . As shown, a proximal section  192  of the structure  188  and a distal section  194  of the hypotube  190  include complementary elements  196  and  198 , respectively, configured for removably connecting the structure  188  and the hypotube  190  with one another. In some embodiments, the complementary elements  196  and  198  respectively include a spring-biased tab and an indent configured for slidable engagement with one another. In certain embodiments, the spring-biased tab is configured as a leaf spring. In other embodiments, the complementary elements  196  and  198  respectively include a spring-biased ball and a depression configured for slidable engagement with one another. Of course, the configurations of the complementary elements  196  and  198  can be reversed. Furthermore, the described and illustrated embodiments are exemplary and, as such, should not be construed as being limiting. Modifications or alternate embodiments for removably connecting the nosecone  186  and the hypotube  190  are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     In use, when the drive shaft  142  is in the retracted state and not telescoping, the structure  188  and the hypotube  190  are connected or coupled to one another at their respective proximal and distal sections  192  and  194 . In some embodiments, the device  100  must be “loaded” in order to telescope the drive shaft  142 . If the device  100  is “unloaded”, one or more locking mechanisms (not shown) inhibit the drive shaft  142  from being telescoped. When the device  100  is “loaded”, the one or more locking mechanism(s) are disengaged, and the drive shaft  142  can be telescoped by displacing the nosecone  186  and the handle  102  in opposite directions away from each other. 
     In certain embodiments, the structure  188  and the hypotube  190  include complementary alignment elements for aiding the insertion of the proximal section  192  into the distal section  194 . In the illustrated embodiment, the hypotube  190  includes an outwardly flaring distal end  200 , and the structure  188  includes an inwardly tapering proximal end  202 . The described embodiment should not be construed as being limiting. In alternate embodiments, the distal section  194  of the hypotube  190  can be configured for insertion into and retraction from the proximal section  192  of the structure  188 . 
     Certain embodiments of the device  100  include a saline infusion port in fluid communication with a saline reservoir. The device may further include an internal saline tube configured for transporting the saline from the infusion port to an inner lumen of a catheter. As such, the saline from the reservoir may be used for reducing friction between the rotating drive shaft  142  and any non-rotating components disposed within and/or around the drive shaft  142 . The saline from the reservoir may also be used as a heat transfer fluid. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a distal section  402  in an embodiment of an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge for another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device. The distal section  402  includes a tubular section  404  having a trough  406  extending proximally therefrom, and a tubular nosecone  408  extending distally therefrom. The tube of the tubular section  404  is contiguous at its first open end with the trough  406 , and is contiguous at its second open end, opposite the first open end, with a first open end of the tube of the nosecone  408 . A second open end, opposite the first open end, of the tube of the nosecone  408  defines the opening  146  in a distal end  410  of the distal section  402 . As such, the distal section  402  is configured for passage therethrough of the drive shaft  142  fixedly attached at its proximal end to the drive shaft gear  148  and having a distal end configured for insertion into a vasculature of a patient. While the distal section  402  is illustrated as having a generally circular cross-section throughout, the geometrical shape should not be considered as a requirement and/or limiting. Alternate shapes extending the entire distal section  402  and/or on portions thereof are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
       FIG. 4B  is a cross-section view of the trough  406  along a plane extending through the sectional line B-B shown in  FIG. 4A . In the illustrated embodiment, the trough  406  has a generally U-shaped geometry having a channel  412  defined at least in part by opposing walls  414  and  416 . However, this specific geometrical shape for the trough  406  should be considered as a requirement and/or limiting. Alternate configurations as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     The distal section  402  is illustrated having a longitudinally extending fin  418  on at least a portion thereof. In  FIG. 4A , the fin  418  is illustrated as extending along the entire length of the tubular section  404  and the trough  406 . However, the longitudinal extent of the fine  418  and/or its location on the external surface of the distal section  402  should not be considered as a requirement and/or limiting. In some embodiments, the fin  418  extends along only portions of the tubular section  404  and/or the trough  406 . In certain embodiments, the fin  418 , and/or portions thereof, are positioned at one or more locations on the external surface of the distal section  402 . All alternative shapes, sizes, locations, etc., for the fin  418 , as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A and 1B , it should be apparent that the respective distal sections  402  and  140  of the drive shaft cartridges are substantially different from one another. Accordingly, the distal sections of the handles through which the drive shaft cartridges having the distal sections  402  and  140  are inserted for removable coupling with the handle also need to be different from one another.  FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a handle  420  having a distal section  422  different from the distal section  108  of the handle  102  illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In several other aspects, the handles  420  and  102  are substantially similar to one another. A top view of at least a portion of the distal section  422  proximate a distal end  424  of the handle  420  is illustrated in  FIG. 4D . 
     In general, the cross-section of the distal section  422  of the handle  420  through which the drive shaft cartridge is inserted and the cross-section of at least the tubular section  404  of the distal section  402  are complementary and/or substantially similar. As illustrated in  FIG. 4D , the distal section  422  includes a channel  426  defined at least in part by opposing guard rails or walls  428  and  430 . The channel  426  and the opposing guard rails  428  and  430  extend proximally from an opening  432  in the distal end  424 , and are configured for slidable coupling with at least the fin  418 , the tubular section  404  and the trough  406  of the distal section  402  of the drive shaft cartridge. In some embodiments, the channel  426  and the opposing guard rails  428  and  430  are configured for aligning the distal sections  402  and  422  with one another. 
     In some embodiments, the distal end  424  and at least a portion of the distal section  422  proximal thereof is configured for removably connecting with at least a portion of the nosecone  408  of the distal section  402 . In certain embodiments, the device includes at least one connector having complementary first and second sections  434  and  436 , respectively, disposed on the nosecone  408  and the distal section  422 , and configured for connecting and dis-connecting the nosecone  408  and the distal section  422 . 
     For “loading” the device, the gear engagement assembly  144  is inserted through the opening  432  into the handle and is removably connected with the prime mover carriage  124  housed within the interior  120  in the intermediate section  110  of the handle  420 . As described elsewhere, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will mesh when the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are connected with one another. Next, as indicated by the directional arrow  438 , the trough  406  and the tubular section  404  of the distal section  402  are inserted into the distal section  422  of the handle  420  through the opening  432 . The distal section  402  and at least the distal section  422  of the handle  420  are displaced in opposite directions towards each other until the first and second sections  434  and  436  of the connector engage one another. In the illustrated embodiment, to “unload” the device, for example to change or replace the drive shaft cartridge, the distal section  402  and at least the distal section  422  of the handle  420  are displaced in opposite directions away from each other while concurrently pushing or pressing at least the first section  434  of the connector in the direction indicated by the arrow  440 . Concurrently, or subsequently, the gear engagement assembly  144  and the prime mover carriage  124  are disconnected and the gear engagement assembly  144  is removed from the handle  420  through the opening  432 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device  500  in a dis-assembled state. Elements and components of the device  500  that are substantially similar or the same as those in other embodiments of the device are identified with the same reference numerals. The device  500  includes a handle  502  and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  504 , wherein the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504  include one or more connectors configured for removably connecting the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504  to one another. 
     Some embodiments of the handle  502  include a proximal section  106 , a distal section  508 , and an elongated intermediate section  510 . The distal section  508  includes a channel  512  extending proximally from an opening  514  in a distal end  516  of the handle  502 . Certain embodiments of the intermediate section  510  include a trough  518  extending between the proximal and distal sections  106  and  508 , respectively, of the handle  502 . The trough  518  is configured for housing and longitudinal displacement of a prime mover carriage  520  disposed therewithin. The prime mover carriage  520  includes a prime mover  522  and a prime mover gear  524  fixedly attached to a shaft of the prime mover  522 . 
     Certain embodiments of the drive shaft cartridge  504  include a proximal section  526 , a distal section  528 , and an intermediate section  530  having a slot  532  extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal sections  526  and  528 , respectively. The drive shaft cartridge further includes at least one control knob  534  having at least a portion thereof extending through the slot  532  and operationally coupled to a gear engagement assembly  536 . Operationally and functionally, the control knob  534  is substantially similar to the control knob  132  of the device  100 . In particular, longitudinal displacement of the control knob  534  along the slot  532  will induce a similar longitudinal displacement of the gear engagement assembly  536 . As with the control knob  132 , the control knob  534  can be operated between locked and unlocked states. The gear engagement assembly  536  includes a drive shaft gear  538  fixedly attached to a proximal end of a drive shaft extending distally therefrom and through an opening in the distal section  528  of the drive shaft cartridge  504 . 
     In order to use the device  500 , the handle  502  and the exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  504  may be removably connected to each other as follows. The control knob  534  is used for proximally displacing the gear engagement assembly  536  and positioning it proximate to and/or within the proximal section  526  of the drive shaft cartridge  504 . In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the gear engagement assembly  536  may be positioned such that a portion thereof and/or the drive shaft gear  538  extends proximally beyond the proximal end  544 . Also as illustrated, the prime mover carriage  520  is located proximate a distal end  546  of the trough  518 . The prime mover gear  524  and the drive shaft gear  538  are aligned and then meshed by juxtaposing the prime mover carriage  520  and the gear engagement assembly  536 . Concurrently, the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504  are displaced towards one another until the proximal end  544  of the proximal section  526  (i.e., the drive shaft cartridge  504 ) and the distal end  542  of the proximal section  506  are removably coupled. Some embodiments of the device  500  may include complementary sections of one or more alignment elements for assisting with and/or maintaining the alignment of the prime mover gear  524  and the drive shaft gear  538 . Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the one or more alignment elements include tongue-and-groove, rails, channels and ribs. Certain embodiments of the device  500  may include complementary sections of one or more connectors for removably coupling the prime mover carriage  520  and the gear engagement assembly  536 . Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the one or more connector include tabbed connectors and snap-fit connectors. 
     Embodiments of the device  500  include one or more connectors having complementary first and second sections configured for removably coupling (or connecting) the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504  to each other. Some embodiments of the connector include one or more slidable tabs  540  integrally formed with the proximal section  506  of the handle  502  and complementary tab receptors (not shown) integrally formed with a proximal section  526  of the drive shaft cartridge  504 . While  FIG. 5  illustrates only one slidable tab  540  at a distal end  542  of the proximal section  506 , this should not be construed as being limiting. It should be realized that most embodiments of the device  500  will include one or more additional slidable tabs integrally formed with the proximal section  506  at the distal end  542  thereof. For example, the proximal section  506  may include a slidable tab on the side or wall opposite the side or wall on which the slidable tab  540  is illustratively disposed. Additionally, or in the alternative, the distal end  542  of the proximal section  506  may include a slidable tab integrally formed on the same side or wall on which the control panel  184  is illustratively disposed. Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , it should be readily apparent that for each of the one or more slidable tabs  540 , the drive shaft cartridge  504  will include a complementary tab receptor integrally formed with the proximal section  526  at a proximal end  544  thereof. Of course, it is neither necessary nor a requirement that the one or more connectors include complementary slidable tabs  540  and tab receptors. Alternative configurations of the one or more connectors as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For example, the one or more connectors may include snap-fit connectors and tongue and groove connectors. 
     Some embodiments of the device  500  may include one or more alternative and/or additional connectors having first and second sections configured for removably coupling (or connecting) the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504  to each other. The handle  502  may be considered as a lower section of the device  500 , and the drive shaft cartridge  504  may be considered as an upper section of the device  500 . For example, the embodiment of the device  500  illustrated in  FIG. 5  includes a first section  546  integrally formed with the distal section  508  of the handle  502 , and a complementary second section (not shown) integrally formed with the distal section  528  of the drive shaft cartridge  504 . The first and second sections of such connectors are configured for removably coupling at least the distal sections  508  and  528 , respectively, of the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504 . In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504  are displaced towards one another as indicated by the directional arrow  548 , and are thereafter removably coupled by displaced the distal sections  508  and  528  towards one another as indicated by the directional arrow  550 . In some embodiments, the connector at the distal section of the device  500  (i.e., in the distal sections  508  and  528 ) may be further configured as an alignment element such as a tongue-and-groove connector for slidable coupling with or without snap connectors or tab connectors. In certain embodiments, the device  500  may include additional and/or alternative alignment elements and/or connectors, each having complementary first and second sections integrally formed with the longitudinally extending opposing side edges of the handle  502  and the drive shaft cartridge  504 . For example, the first sections may be integrally formed with the opposing side edges  552  and  554  of the handle  502 , with the complementary second sections, respectively, integrally formed with the opposing side edge  556  and the side edge not shown of the drive shaft cartridge  504 . All alternative configurations for the one or more connectors and/or the one or more alignment elements as may become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device  600  in a dis-assembled state. Elements and components of the device  600  that are substantially similar or the same as those in other embodiments of the device are identified with the same reference numerals. Device  600  includes a handle  602  and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  604 , wherein the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  include one or more connectors configured for removably connecting the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  to one another. The handle  602  includes a proximal section  106 , a distal section  606 , and an elongated hollow intermediate section  110  extending between the proximal and distal sections  106  and  606 , respectively. The intermediate section  110  includes the opening  118  between the interior  120  thereof and a trough  608  in the distal section  606  configured for receiving the gear engagement assembly  144 . The drive shaft cartridge  604  includes a distal section  610  having an opening in a distal end  612  thereof configured for passage therethrough of the drive shaft  142  extending distally from the gear engagement assembly  144 . 
     The handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  are removably connected by first inserting the gear engagement assembly  144  through the opening  118  into the interior  120  of the intermediate section  110 . The gear engagement assembly  144  and the prime mover carriage  124  within the interior  120  are removably coupled as described elsewhere with reference to device  100 . Then the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  are removably connected by juxtaposing the distal sections  606  and  610 , and displacing the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  towards one another. 
     In  FIG. 6 , the device  600  is illustrated having a first and a second connector, each having complementary first and section sections configured for removably connecting the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604 . The first section of the first connector is shown as opposing hooks  614  and  616  integrally formed with respective opposing side walls and/or edges  618  and  620  of the distal section  606 . The complementary second section of the first connector includes hook receptors (not shown) for the hooks  614  and  616  are integrally formed with the opposing side walls and/or edges, e.g., wall/edge  622 , of the distal section  610 . The hook receptors are configured for removably receiving the hooks  614  and  616 . When the juxtaposed handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  are displaced towards one another, the hooks  614  and  616  are slidably and removably received in the hook receptors in the distal section  610 . 
     The second connector for removably connecting the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge is a tabbed connector. The first section of the tabbed connector is shown as a tab  624  integrally formed with the distal section  610  at a proximal end (or edge or wall)  626  thereof. The complementary second section of the second connector is shown as a tab receptor  628  integrally formed with the handle  602  at a distal end (or edge or wall)  630  of the intermediate section  110 . The tab receptor  628  is configured for slidably and removably receiving at least a portion of the tab  624 . When the juxtaposed handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  are displaced towards one another, the tab  624  is slidably and removably received by the tab receptor on the handle  602 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  600  includes one or more alignment elements having complementary first and second sections configured for aligning the distal sections  606  and  610  with one another in preparation for or while removably connecting the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  with one another. In certain embodiments, the one or more alignment elements are configured as tongue-and-groove elements integrally formed with side edges of the distal sections  606  and  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the first and the second connectors operate concurrently for removably connecting the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604 . In certain embodiments, one of the first and the second connectors operates before the other. Additionally or in the alternative, one or both of the first and the second connectors may be configured as a first and a second alignment element for aligning the distal sections  606  and  610 , respectively, of the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604 . 
     For replacing or exchanging an installed drive shaft cartridge  604  with another, the first and the second connector are operated to disengage their respective first and second sections, and the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  are displaced away from one another The gear engagement assembly  144  is then removed from the intermediate section  110  through the opening  118 . Some embodiments of the device  600  include a support  632  for holding the gear engagement assembly  144  proximate the opening  118  and aligning them prior to inserting the gear engagement assembly  144  into the interior  120  of the intermediate section  110  through the opening  118 . The support  632  can also be used for holding the gear engagement assembly  144  when it is removed from the interior  120  of the intermediate section  110  through the opening  118 . The support  632  may also be configured for protecting at least a portion of the gear engagement assembly  144 , including the drive shaft gear  148 , while the handle  602  and the drive shaft cartridge  604  are not connected. 
     While specific configurations have been described with reference to the first and the second connector and with reference to the one or more alignment elements, additional and/or alternative embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art. All such additional and/or alternative embodiments configured for providing the same or substantially similar functionalities are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device  700  in a dis-assembled state. Elements and components of the device  700  that are substantially similar or the same as those in other embodiments of the device are identified with the same reference numerals. Device  700  includes a handle  702  and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  704 , wherein the handle  702  and the drive shaft cartridge  704  include one or more connectors configured for removably connecting the handle  702  and the drive shaft cartridge  704  to one another. The handle  702  includes the proximal section  106 , a distal section  706 , and an elongated hollow intermediate section  708  extending between the proximal and distal sections  106  and  706 , respectively. The intermediate section  708  includes a door  710  operable for accessing the interior  120  thereof, and the opening  118  between the interior  120  and the trough or channel  112  in the distal section  706 . The drive shaft cartridge  704  includes the drive shaft  142  extending distally from the gear engagement assembly  144 , and a distal section  712  having an opening at a distal end thereof through which the drive shaft  142  extends. Although not shown, and as with other embodiments of the device, the device  700  includes one or more connectors each having complementary first and second section configured for removably connecting the distal sections  706  and  712  to one another. As with other embodiments of the device, the device  700  can include one or more alignment elements. 
       FIG. 7B  is a detailed side view illustrating a pivoting connector  714  configured for removably and pivotably coupling the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  to one another. The pivoting connector  714  is further configured for aligning and meshing the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148 . The pivoting connector  714  includes a pivot point or axis  716  and complementary first and second sections integrally formed with the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144 . The prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are pivotably and removably connected at their respective first and second sections. 
     For “loading” the device  700 , the interior  120  of the intermediate section  708  is exposed by opening the door  710 . The prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are pivotably and removably coupled at the pivot point or axis  716  of the pivoting connector  714  such that the prime mover gear  138  and the drive shaft gear  148  are aligned. Next, the distal sections  706  and  712  are juxtaposed by displacing them towards each other by rotating the handle  702  and the drive shaft cartridge  704  about the pivot point or axis  716 . The prime mover gear  138  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be meshed when the distal sections  706  and  712  are removably connected. Thereafter, the door  710  is closed, and the device  700  is ready for use. For “unloading” the device  700 , the process for “loading” the device  700  is performed in reverse. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device  800  in a partially dis-assembled state. Elements and components of the device  800  that are substantially similar or the same as those in other embodiments of the device are identified with the same reference numerals. Device  800  includes a handle  802  and an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  804  configured for being removably connected. In some embodiments, the device  800  includes a first connector and a second connector, each having complementary first and second sections configured for removably connecting the handle  802  and the drive shaft cartridge  804  to each other. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the first connector is illustrated as a pivoting connector having a first section integrally formed with a distal section  806  of the handle  802 , and a second section integrally formed with an intermediate section  808  of the drive shaft cartridge  804 . The second connector is illustrated as a tabbed connector wherein the first section is a slidable tab  810  integrally formed with an elongated hollow intermediate section  812  of the handle  802 , and wherein the second section is a tab receptor (not shown) integrally formed with a proximal section  814  of the drive shaft cartridge  804 . The illustrated locations of the first and the second connectors are primarily for the purpose of describing the device  800 . Of course, the complementary first and second sections, respectively, of the first and the second connector can be formed elsewhere on the handle  802  and the drive shaft cartridge  804  subject to providing the required functionality, including ensuring that the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be aligned for proper meshing when the handle  802  and the drive shaft cartridge  804  are removably connected. 
     For “loading” the device  800 , the first and second sections of the first connector are used for pivotably and removably connecting the distal section  806  of the handle  802  and the intermediate section  808  of the drive shaft cartridge  804  with one another. Next, the intermediate section  812  of the handle  802  and the proximal section  814  of the drive shaft cartridge  804  are juxtaposed by displacing them towards each other by rotating the handle  802  and the drive shaft cartridge  804  about a pivot point or axis  816  of the pivotable first connector. Then, the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are positioned such that the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are aligned. Thereafter, the first and second sections of the second connector will operate, automatically or manually, to removably connect the intermediate section  812  and the proximal section  814  to one another. And, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be meshed. The second connector can also be operated to dis-connect the intermediate section  812  of the handle  802  and the proximal section  814  of the drive shaft cartridge  804  from one another. 
     Some embodiments of the device  800  include a third connector having complementary first and second sections for removably connecting the handle  802  and the drive shaft cartridge  804  to one another at locations in addition to or alternatively to the first and the second connectors.  FIG. 8  illustrates a third connector for an additional removable connection between the handle  802  and the drive shaft cartridge  804 . In some embodiments, the third connector is configured as a tabbed connector having a first section  818  integrally formed with the intermediate section  812  of the handle  802 , and the second section integrally formed with the intermediate section  808  of the drive shaft cartridge  804 . The third connector can be configured for operating automatically or by a user of the device  800  after or concurrently with the second connector. 
     For “unloading” the device  800 , the process for “loading” the device  800  is performed in reverse. As with other embodiments of the device, the device  800  can include one or more alignment elements. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of yet another embodiment of a rotational atherectomy device  900  in a partially dis-assembled state Elements and components of the device  900  that are substantially similar or the same as those in other embodiments of the device are identified with the same reference numerals. With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , it should be apparent that the respective illustrated devices  800  and  900  are substantially similar to each other. One difference between the devices  800  and  900  is that locations of the first and the second connectors are swapped. Specifically, the first connector, configured as a pivoting connector, pivotably and removably connects an elongated hollow intermediate section  902  of a handle  904  to a proximal section  906  of an exchangeable drive shaft cartridge  908 . And, the second connector, configured as a tabbed connector, removably connects a distal section  910  of the handle  904  and an intermediate section  912  of the drive shaft cartridge  908  to one another. 
     For “loading” the device  900 , the first and second sections of the first connector are used for pivotably and removably connecting the intermediate section  902  of the handle  904  and the proximal section  906  of the drive shaft cartridge  908  to one another. Next, the prime mover carriage  124  and the gear engagement assembly  144  are position such that the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  are aligned. Then, the distal section  910  of the handle  904  and the intermediate section  912  of the drive shaft cartridge  908  are juxtaposed by displacing them towards each other by rotating the handle  904  and the drive shaft cartridge  908  about a pivot point or axis  914  of the pivotable first connector. Thereafter, the first and second sections of the second connector will operate, automatically or manually, to removably connect the distal section  910  of the handle  904  and the intermediate section  912  of the drive shaft cartridge  904  to one another. And, the prime mover gear  128  and the drive shaft gear  148  will be meshed. The second connector can also be operated to dis-connect the distal section  910  of the handle  904  and the intermediate section  912  of the drive shaft cartridge  904  from one another. As with device  800 , the device  900  can also include a substantially similar third connector. 
     For “unloading” the device  900 , the process for “loading” the device  900  is performed in reverse. As with other embodiments of the device, the device  900  can include one or more alignment elements. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a system  1000  configured for identifying, monitoring, and controlling the operation of a plurality of devices and components used for performing atherectomy. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the system  1000  is configured for wireless or contact-less communications  1002  between two or more devices and components used for performing atherectomy. In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the mode of communications  1002  includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) and infra-red (IR), among others. In some embodiments, the system  1000  includes one or more wireless or contact-less identification tags, e.g., NFC/RFID tag,  1004  disposed on one or more devices and components of a rotational or orbital atherectomy device. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the one or more identification tags  1004  provide a contact-less means for identifying different shafts/crowns or accessories  1006  attached to a rotational or orbital atherectomy device (OAD)  1008 . The identifying information would allow the main control board  1010  to vary its operational parameters as needed to properly control or interface with the attachment  1006 . In certain embodiments, the one or more identification tags can be disposed on one or more devices and/or components used with the OAD. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more identification tags  1004  can be disposed on a removable portion of the OAD and, when attached to the main body of the device, an NFC/RFID reader  1012  would identify the attachment  1006  and obtain its operational parameters. The reader  1012  then communicates  1014  this information to the control board  1010 . In some embodiments, the one or more identification tags  1004  are configured for storing data that can be used for analysis. In certain embodiments, device and/or component usage statistics such as, total run time, time spent at various speeds, etc., can be used for generating a snapshot of the atherectomy procedure. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more identification tags  1004  can be used as a safety mechanism such as not allowing the OAD to operate if a required attachment is not connected. In certain embodiments, the one or more identification tags can be used for inventory management and tracking data  1016  that can be collected in the field and transmitted to a remote center, e.g., remote servers,  1018 . In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, WiFi and/or cellular networks can be used for the transmission using a smartphone  1020  after collecting the data from the tag  1004 . 
     In certain embodiments, the one or more identification tags are configured for harvesting energy for providing energy or power for operating the one or more components and devices of the system  1000 . Some non-limiting exemplary embodiments for harvesting energy include harvesting RF energy. 
     The descriptions of the embodiments and their applications as set forth herein should be construed as illustrative, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Features of various embodiments may be combined with other embodiments and/or features thereof within the metes and bounds of the disclosure. Upon study of this disclosure, variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein are possible, and practical alternatives to and equivalents of the various elements of the embodiments will be understood by and become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, all alternatives, variations, modifications, etc., as may become to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.