Directional atherectomy device with flexible housing

摘要

An intravascular directional atherectomy device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end and an axial lumen therebetween. A housing having an open interior and an aperture on a lateral side thereof is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. An atheroma severing device is disposed within the housing. The device includes a cutter that is slidably disposed on a saddle which is connected to the housing. A track member is disposed in the axial lumen of the catheter body and has a distal end connected to the housing. Slidable movement of the atheroma severing device severs the stenotic material that has been urged within the aperture. The saddle enables the inflexible portion of the housing to be minimized in order to fit in the very tortious regions of biological conduits.