Bearing system to support a rotatable operating head in an intracorporeal device

摘要

A bearing system useful in an intracorporeal device connects an operating head, a rotatable drive shaft and a catheter. The bearing system includes a static member in fixed communication with the distal end of the catheter, an interior shaft that is in rotatable communication with the drive shaft and the operating head, and at least one connecting structure. The static member has at least one opening through which the connecting structure moveably rests against a seat of the interior shaft. The position of the connecting structure within the seat enables the bearing to accept a rotational load of the rotating drive shaft and/or thrust load in the direction of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The connecting structure further retains the internal shaft and static member of the bearing system. A clearance space between the internal shaft and the catheter may permit the interior shaft to tilt relative to the catheter and flexibly orient the operating head at different angles about longitudinal axis of the catheter.