Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
Eccentric system of abrasive elements with equal mass for rotational atherectomy

Abstract:

A rotational atherectomy device may include a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with a system of eccentric abrading heads attached thereto. At least part of the eccentric enlarged abrading heads have a tissue removing surface--typically an abrasive surface. The abrading heads may be at least partially hollow. Preferably the eccentric enlarged abrading heads have centers of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, enabling the eccentric abrading heads to work together to open a stenotic lesion to a diameter substantially larger than the outer resting diameter of the enlarged abrading heads when operated at high speeds. The system of eccentric abrading heads may have unbalanced centers of mass to stimulate greater rotational diameters and may be arranged in a manner providing a debris-removing augering effect. Alternatively, a rotational atherectomy device may include a system of eccentric abrading heads with balanced centers of mass.