Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and the like

摘要

A catheter or cylindrical object cutting device which includes a base (210), at least one circular saw blade (38) mounted on a spindle member (32), and a clamp (50) for manipulating the object (8) to be cut. The spindle member is free to move horizontally and possibly vertically to control the location, size and depth of the cuts in the cylindrical object. The clamp and a pinch roller assembly (54) are configured to hold and rotate the object to be cut and advance the object before the clamp is re-engaged. Sensors (202) are also provided to enable detection of wear of the saw blade, and a system for electrical detection of contact and/or proximity between the cutting blade and the cylindrical object is also provided.