INTRAVASCULAR CATHETER HAVING COMBINED IMAGING ABRASION HEAD

摘要

Front-end and side-on intravascular catheters are described that comprise an abrasive head (126) contained substantially within a housing (120). Aspiration means and flushing means (128) are connected to the region of grinding to remove dislodged debris. A preferred embodiment has the abrasive surface of a rotatable head comprised of diamond powder. Another preferred embodiment has an ultrasonic transducer (660) affixed to the head to permit transluminal imaging of the site of occlusion.