Atherectomy system with electromagnetic guidewire clamp

Abstract

The atherectomy system includes an atherectomy drill, and a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill and accommodate a guide wire extending therethrough. A controller is adapted to control operation of the drive mechanism. The guide wire extends through the drive mechanism, and an electromagnetic guide wire clamp is adapted to releasably secure the guide wire relative to the drive mechanism.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 899,623, filed on September 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for removing occlusions from a body lumen. In addition, the present disclosure relates to an atherectomy device for forming an occluded passage through a body lumen (such as a blood vessel). Background Art

[0004] Many patients suffer from occlusions of arteries and other blood vessels that restrict blood flow. The occlusions can be partial occlusions that reduce blood flow through the occluded portion of the vessel or complete occlusions (e.g., chronic total occlusions), which significantly prevent blood flow through the occluded vessel. In some cases, a stent can be placed in the area of ​​the treated occlusion. However, restenosis can occur in the stent, further occluding the vessel and restricting blood flow. Revascularization techniques include using a variety of devices to pass through the occlusion to form or enlarge an opening through the occlusion. Plaque resection is a technique in which a catheter with a cutting element thereon is advanced through the occlusion to form or enlarge a passage through the occlusion. There remains a need for alternative plaque resection devices that facilitate crossing occlusions. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for medical devices. For example, an atherectomy system includes: an atherectomy drill, and a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill. The drive mechanism is adapted to accommodate a guide wire extending therethrough. A controller is adapted to regulate the operation of the drive mechanism. The guide wire extends through the drive mechanism, and an electromagnetic guide wire clamp is adapted to releasably secure the guide wire relative to the drive mechanism.

[0006] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp may include: a clamp housing, an electromagnet fixed inside the clamp housing, and a steel plunger slidably arranged inside the clamp housing, so that the steel plunger can move toward the electromagnet when the electromagnet is actuated and can move away from the electromagnet when the electromagnet is not actuated. Actuating the electromagnet causes the steel plunger to move toward the electromagnet, thereby clamping the guidewire between the electromagnet and the steel plunger.

[0007] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp may further include a guidewire introducer molded into the clamp housing to facilitate advancement of a guidewire through the electromagnetic guidewire clamp.

[0008] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp may further include a first elastic washer fixed to a side of the electromagnet facing the steel plunger, and a second elastic washer fixed to a side of the steel plunger facing the electromagnet.

[0009] Alternatively or in addition, the clamp housing may include a lower clamp housing adapted to receive the steel plunger therein, and an upper clamp housing adapted to receive the electromagnet therein.

[0010] Alternatively or in addition, the clamp housing may further comprise a cover fixed relative to the upper clamp housing.

[0011] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnet may be secured relative to the upper clamp housing by mounting fasteners extending through the cover and into the electromagnet.

[0012] Alternatively or in addition, the drive mechanism may include a drive cable coupled to the atherectomy drill, and a drive motor adapted to rotate the drive cable.

[0013] Alternatively or in addition, the plaque removal system may further include a handle, the handle including a handle housing and a drive motor arranged inside the handle housing.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp may be arranged inside the handle housing.

[0015] Another example is an atherectomy system including a handle including a handle housing and an atherectomy drill. A drive motor is disposed within the handle housing and is adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill using a drive cable extending from the drive motor to the atherectomy drill, the drive cable being adapted to accommodate a guide wire extending through the drive cable. A controller is adapted to adjust the operation of the drive mechanism. An electromagnetic guide wire clamp is adapted to releasably secure the guide wire relative to the drive cable and includes an electromagnet and a steel plunger slidably disposed relative to the electromagnet, such that when the electromagnet is actuated, the steel plunger can move toward the electromagnet and clamp the guide wire between the electromagnet and the steel plunger.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnet may be fixed relative to the handle housing.

[0017] Alternatively or in addition, the steel plunger may be slidably secured relative to the handle housing.

[0018] Alternatively or in addition, the atherectomy system may further include an electromagnetic guidewire clamp housing fixed inside the handle housing.

[0019] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp housing may include a lower clamp housing that may be adapted to receive the steel plunger therein, and an upper clamp housing that may be adapted to receive the electromagnet therein.

[0020] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp housing may further include a cover fixed relative to the upper clamp housing.

[0021] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnet may be secured relative to the upper clamp housing by mounting fasteners extending through the cover and into the electromagnet.

[0022] Alternatively or in addition, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp may further include: a first elastic washer fixed to a side of the electromagnet facing the steel plunger, and a second elastic washer fixed to a side of the steel plunger facing the electromagnet.

[0023] Another example is an atherectomy system including an atherectomy drill and a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill, the drive mechanism adapted to accommodate a guide wire extending therethrough. A controller adapted to control operation of the drive mechanism. The guide wire extends through the drive mechanism, and an electrically actuated guide wire clamp adapted to releasably secure the guide wire relative to the drive mechanism.

[0024] Alternatively or in addition, the electrically actuated guidewire clamp may include an electromagnet and a steel plunger that is slidably arranged relative to the electromagnet so that when the electromagnet is actuated, the steel plunger can move toward the electromagnet and clamp the guidewire between the electromagnet and the steel plunger.

[0025] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed implementation or every example of the present disclosure. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify these embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0031] Figure 5is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0032] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0033] Figure 7 It is available for Figure 6 A perspective view of an exemplary electromagnetic guidewire clamp of an exemplary atherectomy system;

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of an exemplary electromagnetic wire guide fixture;

[0035] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary electromagnetic wire guide fixture taken along line 9-9;

[0036] Fig.10 is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary electromagnetic wire guide clamp taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1 , wherein the electromagnetic wire guide clamp is shown in an unclamped configuration; and

[0037] Fig.11 is along Figure 8 Schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary electromagnetic wire guide clamp taken along line 10 - 10 , wherein the electromagnetic wire guide clamp is shown in a clamped configuration.

[0038] Although the present disclosure may have various modifications and alternative forms, the details thereof have been disclosed by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall apply, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0040] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the word "about", whether or not explicitly stated. The word "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many cases, the word "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0041] The recitation of numerical ranges using endpoints includes all numbers within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0042] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the word "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are labeled with the same numerals in different drawings. The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] Many patients suffer from occluded arteries, other blood vessels, and / or occluded ducts or other body cavities, which restrict the flow of body fluids (e.g., blood, bile, etc.). The occlusion can be a partial occlusion (which reduces blood flow through the occluded portion of the vessel) or a complete occlusion (e.g., a chronic total occlusion), which significantly prevents blood flow through the occluded vessel. Revascularization techniques include using a variety of devices to pass through the occlusion to form or enlarge an opening through the occlusion. Plaque removal is a technique in which a catheter with a cutting element thereon is advanced through the occlusion to form or enlarge a passage through the occlusion. Ideally, the cutting element removes the occlusion without damaging the surrounding vessel wall in which restenosis has occurred and / or a previously implanted stent. However, in some cases the cutting element is manipulated and / or advanced so that it contacts the vessel wall and / or the stent. Therefore, it is desirable to apply materials and / or design a plaque removal device that can remove the occlusion without damaging the surrounding vessel in which restenosis has occurred and / or a previously implanted stent. In addition, it is desirable that the cutting element can be used to remove hard occlusions (such as calcifications) as well as softer occlusions. The methods and systems disclosed herein can be designed to overcome at least some of the limitations of previous atherectomy devices while effectively removing occlusions. For example, portions of the devices and methods disclosed herein can include cutting elements having unique cutting surface geometries and / or designs.

[0045] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system 10 that includes a drive mechanism 12 adapted to rotatably actuate an atherectomy drill 14. The atherectomy system 10 includes a controller 16 adapted to regulate the operation of the drive mechanism 12. In some cases, the atherectomy system 10 may include a user interface 18 that is operably coupled to the controller 16 so that the controller 16 can display information about the performance of the drive mechanism 12. This information may, for example, include one or more of the instantaneous speed of the drive mechanism 12, the instantaneous torque that the atherectomy drill 14 is experiencing, and the like. In some cases, the atherectomy system 10 may not include the user interface 18. In some cases, the atherectomy drill 14 may also be referred to as or include a cutting head or a cutting member, and these terms may be used interchangeably.

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system 20, wherein the drive mechanism 12 may include a drive motor 22 and a drive cable 24 that is operably coupled to the drive motor 22 and the atherectomy drill 14. In some cases, features of the atherectomy system 20 may be combined with features of the atherectomy system 10. In some cases, the atherectomy system 20 may also include a handle (not shown).

[0047] Figure 3 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system 40 adapted to adjust the operation of the drive mechanism 12 to rotationally actuate the atherectomy drill 14. In some cases, features of the atherectomy system 40 may be combined with one or more of the atherectomy system 10 and the atherectomy system 20. The control system 42 may include a reference module 32, and a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller 44 operably coupled to the reference module 32. In some cases, the reference module 32 may determine a speed reference 46 that may be selected between a nominal value, a negative value, and zero. In some cases, the PID controller 44 may also be adapted to add an offset value to the speed reference 46 received from the reference module 32, thereby outputting an output signal 48, although in some cases, the reference module 32 may add the offset value. The PID controller 44 may also be adapted to provide a reduction in the motor speed of the drive mechanism 12 that is greater than the motor speed that would normally result from an increase in torque experienced at the atherectomy drill 14.

[0048] Figure 41 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system 50 including a control system 52 adapted to control operation of the drive motor 22 to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill 14. In some cases, features of the atherectomy system 50 may be combined with one or more of the atherectomy system 10, the atherectomy system 20, or the atherectomy system 40. The control system 52 is operably coupled to the drive motor 22 and includes a feedback loop 54 adapted to monitor performance of the drive motor 22 and output a control effort signal 56. The drive circuit 58 is adapted to receive the control effort signal 56 and control operation of the drive motor 22 in accordance with the control effort signal 56.

[0049] In some cases, the feedback loop 54 may include a reference module for determining a speed reference, and a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller operably coupled to the reference module to receive the speed reference, the PID controller being adapted to apply the speed reference, a proportional (P) gain value, an integral (I) gain value, and a derivative (D) gain value to determine the control operating signal. In some cases, the feedback loop 54 may be adapted to add an offset value to the reference signal provided to the reference loop 54 to accurately maintain the speed of the drive motor 22 during the no-load condition. In some cases, such as if the atherectomy drill 14 becomes stuck, the control system 52 may also be adapted to increase the torque provided by the drive motor 22 until a torque threshold is reached for a brief period of time, and then direct the drive motor 22 to reverse at a slow speed to relieve energy in the drive mechanism.

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary atherectomy system 300. In some cases, atherectomy system 300 can be considered an example of atherectomy system 10, 20, 40, or 50. In some cases, for example, features of atherectomy system 300 can be combined with features of any atherectomy system 10, 20, 40, or 50. Atherectomy system 300 includes a motor 302 that drives a drive cable 304 that is itself coupled to a load 306. For example, load 306 represents an atherectomy drill. For example, motor 302 is controlled by a drive circuit 308 that can be considered to be a drive motor 22 ( Figure 2 ) and / or the controller 16 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2) or incorporated into the drive motor 22 and / or controller 16. In some cases, the motor 302 can be sized relative to the weight and other dimensions of the atherectomy system 300 so that the atherectomy drill can be accelerated to full speed in less than 3 seconds (or in some cases, less than 2 seconds). As an example, the motor 302 can be rated at at least 60 watts. In a specific example, the motor 302 can be rated at about 80 watts. These are merely examples.

[0051] The drive circuit 308 receives input from a feedback section 310. In some cases, the feedback section 310 begins with a reference input 312 from a reference schedule module 314, which provides the reference input 312 to a PID controller 316. In some cases, the reference schedule module 314 may be configured to receive additional inputs, such as from a user and / or from additional sensors not shown. As an example, if the device has been running for an excessive period of time, the reference schedule module 314 may reduce the speed reference to prevent overheating. A PID controller is a controller that includes a (P) proportional section, an (I) integral section, and a (D) derivative section. The PID controller 316 outputs a control working value or reference current 318 to the drive circuit 308. The motor state estimation module 320 receives a current / voltage signal 322 and a motor position signal 323 from the drive circuit 308, and receives a state feedback 324 from the PID controller 316. The motor state estimation module 320 inversely provides a state feedback signal 325 to the PID controller 316.

[0052] The motor state estimation module 320 outputs a speed value 326 inversely to the reference schedule module 314. Although the feedback from the motor state estimation module 320 to the reference schedule module 314 is illustrated as a speed value, in addition or alternatively, in some cases the feedback may include one or more of position, torque, voltage, or current, and in some cases may include a derivative or integral of any of these values. In some cases, the motor state estimation module 320 may instead receive a signal 323 (as shown) representing speed rather than position. The motor position signal 323 may be an indication of the relative rotational position of the output shaft of the motor 302, and therefore an indication of the relative rotational position of the load 306, which relative rotational position, if tracked over time, may provide an indication of speed.

[0053] In some cases, the drive circuit 308 and the feedback loop 310 may be considered to constitute a controller 350 that is suitable for determining the load 306 at the atherectomy drill (e.g., Figure 5 Controller 350 may be considered an example of controller 16 ( Figure 1). In some cases, the controller 350 may be considered to include only some elements of the drive circuit 308 and the feedback loop 310. In some cases, some features and functions of the controller 350 may occur in the motor state estimation module 320. It should be understood that although Figure 5 Various elements are shown as separate components, but in some cases the functionality of one or more components may actually be spread between separate components. In some cases, the functionality of one or more components may be combined into one or more components.

[0054] If the estimated torque at the load 306 becomes too high, this may be an indication that the drill is getting stuck. To protect the drive cable 304 from possible damage, and to protect the patient from possible injury, the atherectomy system 300 may be adapted to stop or even reverse operation of the atherectomy system 300 if the estimated torque reaches or exceeds a predetermined torque threshold. It should be understood that the actual value of the predetermined torque threshold may vary depending on the mechanism of the atherectomy system 300, but may be set at a level low enough to prevent damage and injury, but not so low as to induce excessive false alarms due to minor and / or temporary torque increases that are not caused by the load 306 being stuck. For example, as the atherectomy system 300 travels through the patient's vascular system, the instantaneous torque may vary by a small amount.

[0055] Figure 6 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary atherectomy system 400. In some cases, atherectomy system 400 may be considered a manifestation of atherectomy system 10, 20, 40, 50, or 300. In some cases, for example, features of atherectomy system 400 may be combined with features of any atherectomy system 10, 20, 40, 50, or 300. atherectomy system 400 includes handle 402. Although not shown, it should be understood that atherectomy system 400 includes a drive mechanism (such as in Figure 1-Figure 3 The drive mechanism 12 shown in FIG. 1 and the controller (as shown in FIG. Figure 1-Figure 2 402 and 403. The controller 406 is shown in FIG. 404 and is disposed within the handle 402 and regulates the operation of the drive mechanism. For example, the handle 402 may include a foot 404 that functions to stabilize the handle 402 on a flat surface during operation. A control mechanism 406 extends from the handle 402 and may be used to control one or more features of the atherectomy system 400 during use. For example, the control mechanism 406 may be used to allow a user to change the speed of operation of the drive mechanism.

[0056] The handle 402 includes a proximal region 408 and a distal region 410. As can be seen, the distal region 410 includes an aperture 412 adapted to allow a drive cable (eg, Figure 2 and Figure 4The drive cable 24 or Figure 5 The proximal region 408 may be configured to receive a guide wire 414 extending through the atherectomy system 400. It should be understood that at the distal region 410, the guide wire 414 will extend through the drive cable, which is not shown in this illustration.

[0057] The atherectomy system 400 includes Figure 6 414. The electrically actuated wire guide clamp 420 is schematically shown in the dashed box diagram of . It should be understood that in some cases, the wire guide clamp may be referred to as a wire brake. In some cases, the wire guide clamp 420 may be an electromagnetic wire guide clamp. The electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 may be arranged inside the handle 402 and may be configured to reversibly clamp down onto the wire guide 414, thereby preventing the movement of the wire guide 414 during the operation of the plaque removal system 400. The electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 may be configured to allow the wire guide 414 to move axially relative to the handle 402, thereby allowing the plaque removal system 400 to travel over the wire guide 414. Therefore, the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 may be considered to have a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. In other words, the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 may be considered to be able to be actuated from an unclamped configuration to a clamped configuration.

[0058] In some cases, controller 350 ( Figure 5 ) can be configured to automatically actuate the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 before allowing the drive motor 22, 302 to operate. If any predetermined value or threshold is detected by the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420, the controller 350 can automatically and immediately stop the operation of the drive motor 22, 302.

[0059] Figure 7 is a perspective view of one example of an electromagnetic guidewire clamp 420 . Figure 8 4 is a top view of the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420, illustrating how several cross sections are taken. The electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 includes a clamp housing 422. In some cases, the clamp housing or wire guide clamp housing 422 can be considered to include an upper clamp housing 424 and a lower clamp housing 426. As shown, the upper clamp housing 424 and the lower clamp housing 426 are shown as being fastened together using fasteners 428 extending between the upper clamp housing edge 432 and the lower clamp housing edge 434. In some cases, the fastener 428 can be a screw, a bolt, or a rivet. In some cases, the upper clamp housing edge 432 and the lower clamp housing edge 434 can be adhesively fixed together. These are merely examples. The clamp housing 422 also includes a cover 436. The cover 436 can be fixed to the clamp housing 424 using fasteners 438. As can be seen in the figure, the fasteners 440 extend downward into the cover 436. As described with respect to Fig. 9As will be discussed, fasteners 440 may be used to secure internal components of the electromagnetic guidewire clamp 420 . Figure 7 Also shown is a pair of electrical conductors 442 that are operably coupled to the aforementioned internal components.

[0060] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 9. The electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 includes an electromagnet 450 and a steel plunger 452. The electromagnet 450 can be considered to be fixed relative to the upper clamp housing 424 by the interaction between the fastener 442 and the corresponding threaded hole 442a formed inside the electromagnet 450. The steel plunger 452 can be considered to be arranged slidably relative to the lower clamp housing 426. In the un-actuated configuration in which the electromagnet 450 is not energized, there is a gap 454 between the electromagnet 450 and the steel plunger 452, which provides a passage for the guide wire 414 ( Figure 6 ). The upper clamp housing 424 and the lower clamp housing 426 cooperate to form a guide wire introduction member 456. The guide wire introduction member 456 can be tapered on the inside to make it easier to extend the guide wire 414 into the electromagnetic guide wire clamp 420.

[0061] Fig.10 is along Figure 8 10-10 of the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420. In some cases, the electromagnetic wire guide clamp 420 may include: a first elastic gasket 460 fixed to the side of the electromagnet 450 facing the steel plunger 452, and a second elastic gasket 462 fixed to the side of the steel plunger 452 facing the electromagnet 450. It should be understood that when the electromagnet 450 is actuated and the steel plunger 452 moves upward toward the electromagnet 450 (in the illustrated orientation), the first elastic gasket 460 and the second elastic gasket 462 can jointly help fix the guide wire 414 to prevent relative movement. The first and second elastic gaskets 460, 462 can be made of any suitable electrically insulating (non-conductive) material, such as but not limited to silicone, neoprene, nitrile rubber, EPFM and other materials.

[0062] It should be understood that Fig.10 The view from Fig. 9The view shown in FIG. 4 is rotated 90 degrees. In this view, it can be seen that the steel plunger 452 includes a groove 470 that extends across the top of the steel plunger 452. In this view, it can be seen that the first elastic pad 460 is a relatively narrow strip and the second elastic pad 462 is also a relatively narrow strip. In addition, the second elastic pad 462 can be considered to be arranged inside the groove 470, and the first elastic pad 460 is fixed relative to the electromagnet 450 and aligned with the groove 470 and the second elastic pad 462. In some cases, as shown in the figure, the lower clamp housing 424 may define an alignment pile 480, which is aligned with a corresponding alignment hole 482 formed inside the steel plunger 452. The alignment pile 480 and the alignment hole 482 can cooperate to limit the relative radial movement of the steel plunger 452 relative to the lower clamp housing 424. In some cases, it is contemplated that the alignment hole 482 could be sized the same as the groove 470 so that the steel plunger 452 could be installed in either of two vertical positions up to 180 degrees apart.

[0063] Fig.10 The electromagnetic guidewire clamp 420 is shown in an unclamped position (wherein the electromagnet 450 is not electrically actuated), while Fig.11 The electromagnetic guidewire clamp 420 is shown in a clamped position (where the electromagnet 450 has been electrically actuated). Fig.11 and Fig.10 As can be seen by comparison, the steel plunger 452 has been moved upwardly (in the orientation shown) toward the electromagnet 450. It can be seen that the first resilient gasket 460 and the second resilient gasket 462 together fully fill the groove 470, thereby clamping the guide wire 414 between them (at Fig.11 4). Similarly, space is now visible at the bottom of the steel plunger 452 between the alignment pegs 480 and the corresponding alignment holes 482, thereby indicating that the steel plunger 452 has been moved relative to the lower clamp housing 424.

[0064] As described herein, the electromagnetic guidewire fixture 420 can be considered to be deflected into the Fig.10 The unclamped configuration shown in FIG. Supplying current to the electromagnet 450 causes the steel plunger 452 to move closer to the electromagnet 450 and thus move into the Fig.11 Removing the current will allow the electromagnetic guidewire clamp 420 to return to the unclamped configuration.

[0065] Other methods of forming the guide wire clamp are conceivable.For example, the guide wire clamp may include two electromagnets or a magnet and an electromagnet that are mechanically offset toward each other, such as but not limited to using one or more springs to provide mechanical bias.Therefore, the guide wire clamp will be offset into a clamped configuration.In order to move the two magnets in a direction away from each other, an electric current can be selectively applied to the two electromagnets (or applied to a single electromagnet) so that the two magnets repel each other, thereby moving into an unclamped configuration so that the guide wire can extend through the two magnets.Cut off the current and the magnets will be moved toward each other again to fix the guide wire in place.In some cases, the two magnets are free to move, and in other cases a magnet will be fixed and the other magnet will be free to move.It should be understood that this guide wire clamp (with two electromagnets or an electromagnet and a magnet) may include a housing element that facilitates relative movement between the two electromagnets or between the electromagnet and the magnet.These are just examples.

[0066] It should be understood that the present disclosure is illustrative in many respects. Changes may be made in the details, particularly in shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. This may include, within the appropriate scope, applying the use of any feature of an exemplary embodiment to other embodiments. Of course, the scope of the present invention is defined by the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A plaque removal system, comprising: atherectomy drill; a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill, the drive mechanism adapted to receive a guide wire extending therethrough; a controller adapted to control the operation of the drive mechanism; a guide wire extending through the drive mechanism; as well as An electromagnetic guidewire clamp adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the drive mechanism, wherein the electromagnetic guidewire clamp comprises: Fixture housing; an electromagnet fixed inside the fixture housing; a steel plunger slidably disposed within the clamp housing such that the steel plunger is movable toward the electromagnet when the electromagnet is actuated and in a direction away from the electromagnet when the electromagnet is not actuated; Wherein actuating the electromagnet causes the steel plunger to move toward the electromagnet, thereby clamping the guidewire between the electromagnet and the steel plunger.

2. The plaque removal system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic guidewire clamp further comprises: A guidewire introducer is molded into the clamp housing to facilitate advancement of the guidewire through the electromagnetic guidewire clamp.

3. The plaque removal system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic guidewire clamp further comprises: a first elastic gasket fixed to a side of the electromagnet facing the steel plunger; as well as A second elastic spacer is fixed to the side of the steel plunger facing the electromagnet.

4. The atherectomy system of claim 1, wherein the clamp housing comprises: a lower fixture housing adapted to receive therein a said steel plunger; as well as An upper fixture housing is adapted to receive the electromagnet therein.

5. The plaque removal system of claim 4, wherein the clamp housing further comprises a cover fixed relative to the upper clamp housing.

6. The plaque removal system of claim 5, wherein the magnet is secured relative to the upper fixture housing by mounting fasteners extending through the cover and into the electromagnet.

7. The atherectomy system of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises: a drive cable coupled to the atherectomy drill; as well as A drive motor is adapted to rotate the drive cable.

8. The plaque removal system as described in claim 7 also includes a handle, which includes a handle housing, and the drive motor is arranged inside the handle housing.

9. The plaque removal system of claim 8, wherein the electromagnetic guidewire clamp is arranged inside the handle housing.

10. A plaque removal system, comprising: a handle, comprising a handle housing; atherectomy drill; a drive motor disposed within the handle housing and adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill using a drive cable extending from the drive motor to the atherectomy drill, the drive cable being adapted to receive a guide wire extending therethrough; a controller adapted to regulate operation of the drive motor; as well as An electromagnetic guidewire clamp adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the drive cable, the electromagnetic guidewire clamp comprising: Electromagnet; as well as A steel plunger is slidably arranged relative to the electromagnet so that when the electromagnet is actuated, the steel plunger can move toward the electromagnet and clamp the guidewire between the electromagnet and the steel plunger.

11. The plaque removal system of claim 10, further comprising an electromagnetic guidewire clamp housing fixed inside the handle housing.

12. The atherectomy system of claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic guidewire fixture housing comprises: a lower clamp housing adapted to receive the steel plunger therein, and an upper clamp housing adapted to receive the electromagnet therein.

13. A plaque removal system, comprising: atherectomy drill; a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate the atherectomy drill, the drive mechanism adapted to receive a guide wire extending therethrough; a controller adapted to control the operation of the drive mechanism; a guide wire extending through the drive mechanism; as well as An electrically actuated guidewire clamp is suitable for releasably fixing the guidewire relative to the drive mechanism, wherein the electrically actuated guidewire clamp includes an electromagnet and a steel plunger slidably arranged relative to the electromagnet, so that when the electromagnet is actuated, the steel plunger can move toward the electromagnet and clamp the guidewire between the electromagnet and the steel plunger.

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