APPARATUS FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY PERFORMING MYOCARDIAL REVASCULARIZATION HAVING MEANS FOR SENSING TISSUE PARAMETERS AND METHODS OF USE

摘要

Apparatus, and methods for percutaneously performing myocardial revascularization are provided using a catheter (23) having an end region that is directed to contact a patient's endocardium at a plurality of positions. A cutting head (28) is disposed within a lumen (31) of the catheter (23), coupled to a drive tube (32) that rotates and reciprocates the drive shaft. One or more stabilizing elements (39) are disposed on the distal end to retain the catheter in position when the cutting head (28) is actuated. The cutting head (28), and drive tube (32) include a lumen (34) through which severed tissue is aspirated. Mechanisms, and methods are provided for providing the operator with information to assess the desirability of treating a proposed site. Mechanisms also are provided for controlling the maximum extension of the cutting head beyond a distal end face of the catheter, independent of the degree of tortuosity imposed on the catheter.