A method for controlling fluid flow in a rotational atherectomy device (10). A source of fluid is provided through a pump (70) to the rotational atherectomy device, wherein the pump (70) maintains the fluid flow at a minimal rate during a time period when a drive shaft (25) of the device is not rotating. A first control is activated to increase a rate of the fluid flow and second control is activated to initiate a rotation of the drive shaft (25) during another time period when the fluid flow is at the increased rate.