MAGNETICALLY NAVIGABLE AND/OR CONTROLLABLE DEVICE FOR REMOVING MATERIAL FROM BODY LUMENS AND CAVITIES

摘要

A magnetically navigable atherectomy device (20) includes a cutting head (24), a flexible drive shaft (34) having a proximal, a distal end, with the cutting device on the distal end, and a magnet associated with the cutting head (24), the magnet of sufficient size to allow the cutting head to be oriented by an externally applied magnetic field. The magnet may be a portion of the cutting head (24) made from a magnetically permeable or permanent magnetic material, and a portion of the drive shaft (34) made from a magnetically permeable or permanent magnetic material; a separate magnet between the cutting head (24) and the drive shaft (34), and a portion magnet on a sheath covering the drive shaft (34). Alternatively a guide wire (28) can be provided with a magnetic material on its distal end. Through the application of a magnetic field and/or a magnetic gradient, the atherectomy device (20) can be guided to the location of the atheromatous material in the body. Once at the site of atheromatous material, through the application of a magnetic field or magnetic gradient, the device can be manipulated into proximity to the atheromatous material to remove the material.