Tissue removal catheter with pusher lock

Abstract

A tissue removal catheter includes a slide assembly that moves linearly to impart linear movement to a motor. The slide assembly includes a knob that can be used outside the handle to enable linear movement by a user. A slide lock may selectively lock the slide assembly to inhibit linear movement of the slide assembly, and selectively unlock the slide assembly to enable linear movement of the slide assembly. The knob is rotatable relative to the handle for rotating the rotatable cam such that the slide lock actuates to selectively lock and unlock the slide assembly. The knob is rotatable between a first angular position and a second angular position for unlocking and locking the sliding assembly at a fixed angle of rotation to prohibit rotation of the knob in a first direction beyond the second angular position. A brake mechanism may inhibit or enable linear movement of the slide assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to tissue removal catheters, and more particularly to tissue removal catheters having pusher locks. Background Art

[0002] Tissue removal catheters are used to remove unwanted tissue from a body cavity. For example, atherectomy catheters are used to remove material from a blood vessel to open the vessel and improve blood flow through the vessel. The method can be used to prepare lesions within a patient's coronary artery to facilitate percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or stent delivery in patients with severely calcified coronary lesions. Atherectomy catheters typically employ a rotating element that is used to grind or otherwise break up the unwanted tissue. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect, a tissue removal catheter comprises an elongated body, a handle, a motor, a tissue removal element, a sliding assembly, a sliding lock, and a rotatable cam. The elongated body is sized and shaped to be accommodated in a body cavity and has an axis and a proximal end portion and a distal end portion spaced apart from each other along the axis. The handle is located at the proximal end portion of the elongated body. The motor is in the handle and is operably coupled to the elongated body to drive the elongated body to rotate around the axis of the elongated body. The tissue removal element is mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated body and removes the tissue when the tissue removal element rotates in the body cavity through the elongated body. The sliding assembly is operably coupled to the motor and is configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle to impart linear movement to the motor in the handle. The sliding assembly includes a knob that can be used outside the handle and can enable the sliding assembly to be linearly moved by a user. The knob can selectively rotate relative to the handle. The sliding lock can be disposed in the handle. The slide lock can selectively lock the slide assembly to prohibit the slide assembly from linearly moving relative to the handle, and selectively unlock the slide assembly to enable the slide assembly to linearly move relative to the handle. The rotatable cam can be operably coupled to the knob so that rotation of the knob imparts rotation to the rotatable cam. The rotatable cam can be operated to actuate the slide lock for selectively locking and unlocking the slide assembly.

[0004] On the other hand, a tissue removal catheter for removing tissue in a body cavity generally includes a slender body having an axis and a proximal end portion and a distal end portion spaced apart from each other along the axis. The size and shape of the slender body are set to be accommodated in a body cavity. A handle is located at the proximal end portion of the slender body. A motor in the handle is operably coupled to the slender body to drive the slender body to rotate around the axis of the slender body. A tissue removal element is mounted on the distal end portion of the slender body. The tissue removal element is configured to remove the tissue when the slender body rotates the tissue removal element in the body cavity. A sliding assembly is operably coupled to the motor and is configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle to impart linear movement to the motor in the handle. The sliding assembly includes a knob that can be used outside the handle and is configured to enable the sliding assembly to be linearly moved by a user. A brake mechanism is provided in the handle. The brake mechanism is selectively operable to i) inhibit linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the handle, and ii) enable linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the handle.

[0005] On the other hand, a tissue removal catheter for removing tissue in a body cavity generally includes an elongated body having an axis and a proximal end portion and a distal end portion spaced apart from each other along the axis. The size and shape of the elongated body are set to be accommodated in a body cavity. A handle is located at the proximal end portion of the elongated body. A motor in the handle is operably coupled to the elongated body to drive the elongated body to rotate around the axis of the elongated body. A tissue removal element is mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated body. The tissue removal element is configured to remove the tissue when the elongated body rotates the tissue removal element in the body cavity. A sliding assembly is operably coupled to the motor and is configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle to impart linear movement to the motor in the handle. The sliding assembly includes a knob that can be used outside the handle. The knob is selectively rotatable relative to the handle in a first direction between a first angular position in which the slide assembly is unlocked and can move linearly relative to the handle and a second angular position in which the slide assembly is locked and prohibited from moving linearly relative to the handle. The angle between the first angular position and the second angular position is fixed so that the knob is prohibited from rotating in the first direction beyond the second angular position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a catheter of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of a distal end portion of the catheter;

[0008] Figure 3 is an enlarged front view of a distal end portion of a catheter abrading a lesion;

[0009] Figure 4 It passes through Figure 2 A section taken along line 4-4;

[0010] Figure 5A is a top perspective view of a handle of a catheter;

[0011] Figure 5B is a top perspective view of the handle with the top housing section removed;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the gearbox housing and the motor coupled to the slide assembly and removed from the handle;

[0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the gear assembly in the handle;

[0014] Fig. 8A is a bottom plan view of a top housing section including a locking mechanism;

[0015] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of a top housing section including a locking mechanism;

[0016] Figure 8C Yes Figure 8B Magnified detail view indicated in .

[0017] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of an assembly of a slide actuator, a cam, and a brake and a brake base of a brake mechanism, the brake mechanism being in an unlocked position;

[0018] Fig. 9B Similar to Fig. 9A , but wherein the brake mechanism is in a locked position;

[0019] Fig.10 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing teeth of brake engaging teeth of a brake receiver;

[0020] Fig.11 is a perspective view of the brake and brake base;

[0021] Fig.12 is a top plan view of the brake and brake base;

[0022] Fig.13 is a perspective view of an assembly of a cam and a slide actuator;

[0023] Fig.14 is a bottom plan view of the assembly of the cam and slide actuator; and

[0024] Fig.15 is an exploded view of the slide actuator, cam, and assembly of the brake and brake base.

[0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present disclosure generally relates to a tissue removal catheter for removing tissue in a body cavity. In some embodiments, the catheter is an atherectomy device (e.g., an atherectomy device), which is suitable for removing (e.g., grinding, erosion, cutting, excision, ablation, etc.) occluded tissue (e.g., embolic tissue, plaque tissue, atherosclerosis, thrombolytic tissue, stenosis tissue, hyperplastic tissue, tumor tissue, etc.) from a vascular wall (e.g., a coronary artery wall, etc.). The catheter can be used to facilitate the subsequent delivery of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or stents. The features of the disclosed embodiments may also be applicable to treating chronic total occlusion (CTO) of a blood vessel and stenosis of other body cavities and other hyperplastic and tumorous conditions in other body cavities (such as ureters, bile ducts, respiratory tracts, pancreatic ducts, lymphatic vessels, etc.). Tumor cell growth will usually occur due to tumors surrounding and invading the body cavity. Therefore, the removal of such materials may be beneficial to maintaining the patency of the body cavity.

[0027] The following is a description of a suitable tissue removal catheter in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated. It should be understood that the description of a suitable tissue removal catheter is non-limiting and that a suitable tissue removal catheter may omit certain components and / or include additional components.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a rotary tissue removal catheter for removing tissue (e.g., lesion L) in a body cavity is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. Shown catheter 10 comprises an elongated catheter body, usually indicated by reference numeral 11, which has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. In one example, the size of catheter body 11 is set to be accommodated in a subject's blood vessel. Therefore, catheter body 11 can have a maximum size of 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 or 12 French (French) (1,1.3,1.7,2,2.3,2.7,3,3.3 or 4mm), and can have a working length of 20,30,40,60,80,100,120,150,180 or 210cm, specifically depending on the body cavity. Although the remainder of the discussion relates to catheters for removing tissue from a blood vessel, it should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are also applicable to other types of tissue removal catheters, including but not limited to catheters for penetrating and / or removing tissue from various occlusive, stenosed, or superplastic materials in various body cavities.

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The catheter body 11 includes an elongated drive shaft or drive coil 12 (generally referred to as the elongated body) arranged around an elongated inner liner 14. The drive coil 12 and the inner liner 14 extend from the proximal end portion 16 of the catheter to the distal end portion 18 along the longitudinal axis LA of the catheter. A tissue removal element 20 (e.g., abrasive burrs) is provided on the distal end portion of the catheter body 11 (e.g., on the drive coil 12). The tissue removal element 20 is configured to rotate by the rotation of the drive coil 12 to remove tissue such as a lesion L from the body cavity. The abrasive burrs 20 may have an abrasive outer surface formed, for example, by diamond grit coating, surface etching, etc. The sheath 22 ( Figure 1 ) is disposed around the drive coil 12. The drive coil 12 and the inner liner 14 are both configured to translate relative to the sheath 22 using a sliding assembly, as described below. The size and shape of the catheter 10 are set for insertion into a body cavity of a subject. The sheath 22 isolates the body cavity from the drive coil 12 and at least a portion of the inner liner 14. The inner liner 14 defines a guidewire lumen 24 for slidably accommodating a guidewire 26 therein so that the catheter 10 can be advanced through the body cavity by traveling along the guidewire. The guidewire can be a standard guidewire with an outer diameter of 0.014 inches and a length of 300 cm. In certain embodiments, the inner liner 14 may have a lubricated inner surface for sliding on the guidewire 26 (for example, a lubricating surface may be provided by a lubricating polymer layer or a lubricating coating). In the illustrated embodiment, the guidewire lumen 24 ( Figure 4 ) extends from the proximal end portion 16 through the distal end portion 18 of the catheter 10 so that the guidewire 26 can extend along the entire working length of the catheter 10. In one embodiment, the total working length of the catheter 10 can be between about 130 cm (51.2 inches) and about 160 cm (63 inches). In use, the guidewire 26 can extend beyond the distal end of the inner liner 14 by about 40 mm (1.6 inches).

[0030] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the catheter 10 also includes a handle, generally indicated at 41, which is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter body 11, such as at the isolation sheath 22. The handle 41 is configured to support the components therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 41 includes a bottom housing section 41A, an intermediate housing section 41B fixed to the top of the bottom housing section, and a top housing section 41C fixed to the top of the intermediate housing section. It should be understood that the handle 41 may have other shapes and configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] refer to Figure 5A and Figure 5B, the handle 41 supports an actuator 45 (e.g., a lever, button, dial, switch, or other device) configured to selectively actuate a motor 43 (e.g., an electric motor) disposed in the handle to drive rotation of an elongated body (e.g., a drive coil 12), and a tissue removal element 20 mounted at the distal end of the drive coil. The motor 43 is configured to rotate the drive coil 12 and the tissue removal element 20 at a speed of up to, for example, but not limited to, about 100,000 RPM. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 43 is coupled to the drive coil 12 via a gear assembly 44 and a drive assembly (generally referred to as a motor drive train output) supported within the handle 41. Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The gear assembly 44 includes a gear box housing 47 ( Figure 6 ), the gearbox housing mounts and at least partially encloses a pair of gears 81, 83 ( Figure 7 ) to transfer the rotation of the shaft of the motor 43 to the drive coil 12. Specifically, the driven gear 83 is meshed with the transmission gear 81 so that the rotation of the transmission gear causes the driven gear to rotate in the opposite direction. Therefore, when current is applied to the motor 43 from the power source, the electrical energy from the current is converted into mechanical energy to rotate the gear assembly 44, thereby rotating the drive coil 12. It should be understood that the motor 43 can be coupled to the slender body (e.g., the drive coil 12) in other ways to transfer the rotation (torque) from the motor to the slender body.

[0032] refer to Figure 6 and Fig. 8A , the tissue removal catheter 10 includes a slide assembly, generally indicated at 50, in the handle 41. The slide assembly 50 includes a carriage 52, which is coupled to and supports at least the motor 43, and a slide actuator 55, which is coupled to the carriage to enable a user to operate the slide assembly. The slide assembly 50 enables a user to linearly advance the motor 43 (and the gear assembly 44 in one embodiment) within the handle 41 to impart linear movement of the drive coil 12 and the tissue removal element 20 relative to the handle. For example, the slide assembly 50 can allow linear advancement of the tissue removal element 20 from about 30 mm to about 70 mm or more. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide assembly 50 also includes a track (e.g., rail 60; Figure 5B ), the slide 52 is coupled to the track to enable linear movement of the slide relative to the handle. For example, a bearing 54 (e.g., a roller bearing) can couple the slide to the track. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide actuator 55 includes a knob to enable a user's hand to manually operate the slide assembly 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor actuator 42 is coupled to the slide actuator 55. In one or more other embodiments, the motor actuator can be located elsewhere on the handle or separate from the handle.

[0033] refer to Figure 6, FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , the catheter 10 also includes a sliding lock, generally indicated at 80, disposed in the handle 41. The sliding lock 80 is configured to selectively lock the sliding assembly 50 to prohibit the sliding assembly from linearly moving relative to the handle 41, and selectively unlock the sliding assembly to enable the sliding assembly to move linearly relative to the handle. As explained in more detail below, the sliding actuator 55 shown can rotate relative to the handle 41 (and the carriage 52) to actuate the operation of the sliding lock 80. Specifically, the catheter 10 shown includes a rotatable cam 82, which is operably coupled to the actuator 55 so that the rotation of the actuator (e.g., a knob) relative to the handle 41 imparts rotation to the rotatable cam 82. In turn, the rotatable cam 82 is operable to actuate the sliding lock 80 for selectively locking and unlocking the sliding assembly 50. The rotatable cam 82 is coupled to the actuator 55 (and the carriage 52) of the sliding assembly 50 so that the rotatable cam can move linearly with the actuator and the carriage. The slide lock 80 and the rotatable cam 82 together form a locking mechanism to allow a user to selectively lock the slide assembly 50 relative to the handle 41 .

[0034] like Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown, the slide lock 80 includes a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism includes at least one brake (e.g., first and second brakes generally indicated at 84A, 84B, respectively) and at least one brake receiver (e.g., first and second brake receivers generally indicated at 86A, 86B, respectively), which is configured to selectively receive at least one brake to lock the slide assembly 50. The brakes 84A, 84B are coupled to a brake base 87 of the brake mechanism (e.g., formed integrally with the brake base), which in turn is coupled to the pusher 55 so that the brakes 84A, 84B move linearly with the actuator and the slide 52. The brakes 84A, 84B are pawls, each of which includes a pawl arm 88A, 88B (generally referred to as a locking arm) coupled to a base 87 and a row of teeth 89A, 89B on the corresponding pawl arm. As explained below, the pawl arms 88A, 88B are resiliently deflectable in a lateral direction relative to the base 87. Fig. 8A As shown, the brake receivers 86A, 86B are linear racks, each of which is coupled to the handle 41. The linear racks 86A, 86B extend along the interior of the handle 41 and can be formed integrally therewith. The linear racks 86A, 86B each include a row of teeth that are configured to engage (i.e., mesh) with corresponding pawl teeth 89A, 89B to selectively lock the slide assembly 50, such as Fig.10 The brakes 84A, 84B and brake receivers 86A, 86B may be of other designs and configurations.

[0035] refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the cam 82 shown has an asymmetric, elongated footprint. Specifically, as Fig.14 As shown, the cam 82 is a disk having opposite circular longitudinal ends, an arcuate first side, and a generally flat second side. The cam 82 has a length LC between the longitudinal ends and a width WC between the first side and the second side. Fig. 9A As shown, in the first angular position, the arcuate and flat sides of the cam 82 are generally opposed to adjacent ones of the detents 84A, 84B (e.g., the first pawl tooth 89A and the second pawl tooth 89B). The width WC of the cam 82 is such that the detents 84A, 84B are not received in the detent receivers 86A, 86B (e.g., the pawls are disengaged from the racks) when the cam is in the first angular position. Thus, in this first angular position of the cam 82, the slide assembly 50 is unlocked and can translate relative to the handle 41. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9B As shown, when the cam 82 is rotated to the second angular position, such as by rotating the actuator 55, the longitudinal ends of the cam engage and push the corresponding brakes 84A, 84B (e.g., pawls) laterally outward to the locked position, so that the brakes are accommodated in the corresponding brake receivers (e.g., the pawls are engaged with the rack). Therefore, in this second angular position of the cam 82, the slide assembly 50 is locked and prohibited from translating relative to the handle 41. It is believed that this engagement or meshing prohibits accidental sliding or movement of the slide assembly compared to a lock that relies solely on frictional engagement or clamping on the housing. When the cam 82 is rotated back from the second angular position to the first angular position, the brakes (e.g., pawls) 84A, 84B rebound to their initial unlocked position. Specifically, the pawl arms 88A, 88B shown are elastic and "bounce back" to the unlocked position when the thrust from the cam 82 is removed. By this design, when the actuator 55 is rotated to this position, the user is aware that the slide assembly 50 is unlocked because the actuator is in this rotational position. This is not necessarily possible in the design of a lock that relies only on friction engagement or clamping on the housing.

[0036] As explained above, the rotation of the actuator 55 imparts the cam 82 with a rotation between a first angular position and a second angular position. The actuator 55 and the cam 82 can rotate from the first angular position to the second angular position in a first direction to lock the sliding assembly. The actuator 55 and the cam 82 can rotate from the second angular position to the first angular position in a second direction opposite to the first direction to unlock the sliding assembly 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the first angular position and the second angular position is fixed, so that the actuator 55 and the cam 82 are prohibited from rotating in the first direction beyond the second angular position, and the actuator 55 and the cam 82 are prohibited from rotating in the second direction beyond the first angular position. Through this configuration, the user realizes when the sliding assembly 50 is locked and unlocked by observing the rotation position of the actuator 55. In addition, the user only needs to rotate the actuator less than 180 degrees (e.g., 90 degrees) to lock and unlock the sliding assembly 50, rather than continuing to rotate the actuator more than 180 degrees or some other non-determined amount to clamp the actuator on the handle. The slide lock 80 includes a stop 92 (e.g., a post) on the base 87. When the cam is in the first angular position and the second angular position, the cam 82 (e.g., the flat side of the cam) engages the stop 92, thereby prohibiting rotation outside the angle between the first angular position and the second angular position. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is less than 360 degrees, such as less than 180 degrees, for example, about 90 degrees.

[0037] The locking mechanism shown (i.e., the sliding lock 80 in combination with the cam) is configured to releasably lock the cam 82 in a first angular position and a second angular position. The locking mechanism can also be configured to provide feedback (tactile and / or audible feedback) to the user when the sliding lock 80 moves to the locked position and / or the unlocked position. The cam 82 defines at least one notch (e.g., a first notch 100A and a second notch 100B) extending inwardly from the rounded side of the cam. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9A As shown, the recess 100A is configured to receive the pin 102 by a snap-fit ​​connection when the cam is rotated in the second direction to the first angular position. When the cam 82 is in the first angular position, the pin 102 snaps into the recess 100A, thereby releasably locking the cam in the first angular position and indicating to the user through tactile and / or audible feedback that the sliding assembly is unlocked. The pin 102 is configured to disengage (i.e., release) from the recess 100A when the cam is rotated in the first direction and away from the first angular position toward the second angular position by appropriate torque. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9BAs shown, the recess 100B is configured to accommodate the pin 102 by a snap-fit ​​connection when the cam is rotated to the second angular position in the first direction. When the cam 82 is in the second angular position, the pin 102 snaps into the recess 100B, thereby releasably locking the cam in the second angular position and indicating to the user that the sliding assembly is locked by tactile and / or audible feedback. The pin 102 is configured to disengage (i.e., release) from the recess 100B when the cam is rotated away from the second angular position toward the first angular position by an appropriate amount of torque in the second direction. When locking and / or unlocking the sliding assembly 50, this tactile and / or audible feedback provides the user with an indication of the locked state of the locked and / or unlocked sliding assembly, which is contrary to the lock that does not include any feedback indicating the locked state of the sliding assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 102 is elastically deflectable (e.g., depressible) to allow the cam 82 to slide on the pin when the cam rotates between the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0038] In use, the slide lock 80 is operable to selectively lock and unlock the slide assembly 50. In an exemplary method of use, the tissue removal element 20 is delivered to the treatment site and rotated by the motor 43 to remove unwanted tissue from the body cavity. The user can selectively operate the slide assembly 50 by moving the slide actuator 55 relative to the handle 41 to translate the tissue removal element 20 relative to the handle 41. The user can operate the slide lock 80 to temporarily fix the longitudinal position of the tissue removal element 20 relative to the handle 41. The user can also unlock the slide lock 80 to enable the tissue removal element 20 to translate relative to the handle. When unlocked, the user can move the slide actuator 55 forward and then backward to produce a "pecking" motion at the tissue removal element 20. The tissue removal catheter 10 can be used in other ways suitable for removing tissue from a body cavity.

[0039] The present invention may also be described with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0040] 1. A tissue removal catheter for removing tissue from a body cavity, the tissue removal catheter comprising:

[0041] an elongated body having an axis and proximal and distal end portions spaced from one another along the axis, the elongated body being sized and shaped to be received in the body cavity;

[0042] a handle located at the proximal end portion of the elongated body;

[0043] a motor in the handle, the motor operably coupled to the elongated body to drive the elongated body to rotate about the axis of the elongated body;

[0044] a tissue removal element mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated body, the tissue removal element being configured to remove the tissue when the tissue removal element is rotated within the body cavity by the elongated body;

[0045] a slide assembly operably coupled to the motor and configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle to impart linear movement to the motor within the handle, the slide assembly including a knob accessible external to the handle and configured to enable the slide assembly to be linearly moved by a user, wherein the knob is selectively rotatable relative to the handle;

[0046] a slide lock disposed in the handle, the slide lock being configured to i) selectively lock the slide assembly to inhibit linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the handle, and ii) selectively unlock the slide assembly to enable linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the handle; and

[0047] a rotatable cam operably coupled to the knob such that rotation of the knob imparts rotation to the rotatable cam, wherein the rotatable cam is operable to actuate the slide lock for selectively locking and unlocking the slide assembly. 2. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 1, wherein the slide lock and the rotatable cam are operatively coupled to the knob such that rotation of the knob imparts rotation to the rotatable cam, wherein the rotatable cam is operable to actuate the slide lock for selectively locking and unlocking the slide assembly.

[0048] A wheel is coupled to the slide assembly such that the slide lock and the rotatable cam are linearly movable with the slide assembly.

[0049] 3. A tissue removal catheter according to paragraph 1, wherein the slide lock includes at least one locking arm configured to be moved into a locked position by the rotatable cam to lock the slide assembly.

[0050] 4. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 3, wherein the at least one locking arm comprises first and second opposing locking arms.

[0051] 5. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 4, wherein the first locking arm and the second locking arm are simultaneously displaceable by the rotatable cam.

[0052] 6. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 3, wherein the at least one locking arm is resiliently biased in an unlocked position in which the slide assembly is unlocked.

[0053] 7. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 3, further comprising a brake receiver in the housing, wherein the at least one locking arm comprises a brake, wherein the at least one locking arm comprises a brake.

[0054] The brake is configured to be received in the brake receiver to lock the sliding assembly.

[0055] 8. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 1, wherein the sliding lock comprises a detent mechanism.

[0056] 9. A tissue removal catheter according to paragraph 6, wherein the knob is capable of selectively rotating along a first direction relative to the handle between a first angular position and a second angular position, in which the cam rotates to the first angular position and the locking arm is in the unlocked position, and in the second angular position, the cam rotates to the second angular position and the locking arm is in the locked position.

[0057] 10. A tissue removal catheter for removing tissue from a body cavity, the tissue removal catheter comprising:

[0058] an elongated body having an axis and proximal and distal end portions spaced from one another along the axis, the elongated body being sized and shaped to be received in the body cavity;

[0059] a handle located at the proximal end portion of the elongated body;

[0060] a motor in the handle, the motor operably coupled to the elongated body to drive the elongated body to rotate about the axis of the elongated body;

[0061] a tissue removal element mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated body, the tissue removal element being configured to remove the tissue when the tissue removal element is rotated within the body cavity by the elongated body;

[0062] a slide assembly operably coupled to the motor and configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle to impart linear movement to the motor within the handle, the slide assembly including a knob accessible external to the handle and configured to enable the slide assembly to be linearly moved by a user; and a brake mechanism disposed in the handle, the brake mechanism selectively operable to i) inhibit linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the handle, and ii) enable linear movement of the slide assembly relative to the handle.

[0063] 11. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 10, wherein the brake mechanism comprises: a brake coupled to the slide assembly and movable with the slide assembly; and a brake receiver coupled to the handle, wherein

[0064] The brake is configured to be removably received in the brake receiver.

[0065] 12. A tissue removal catheter according to paragraph 11, wherein the brake includes at least one pawl having at least one tooth, wherein the brake receiver includes at least one linear rack having a plurality of teeth, wherein the at least one pawl is capable of selectively moving between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the pawl is engaged with the linear rack and in which the pawl is disengaged from the linear rack.

[0066] 13. A tissue removal catheter according to paragraph 12, wherein the at least one pawl includes a first pawl and a second pawl, wherein the at least one linear rack includes a first rack and a second rack, wherein the first pawl is capable of selectively engaging with the first linear rack and the second pawl is capable of selectively engaging with the second linear rack.

[0067] 14. A tissue removal catheter as described in paragraph 12, wherein the pawl is resiliently deflectable from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0068] 15. A tissue removal catheter according to paragraph 14, further comprising a rotatable cam operable to elastically deflect the pawl from the unlocked position to the locked position, wherein the knob is rotatable relative to the handle and is operably coupled to the cam such that rotation of the knob imparts rotation to the rotatable cam to elastically deflect the pawl from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0069] 16. A tissue removal catheter according to paragraph 15, wherein the knob is capable of selectively rotating relative to the handle in a first direction between a first angular position and a second angular position, in which the cam rotates to the first angular position and the pawl is in the unlocked position, and in the second angular position, the cam rotates to the second angular position and the pawl is in the locked position.

[0070] 17. A tissue removal catheter for removing tissue from a body cavity, the tissue removal catheter comprising:

[0071] an elongated body having an axis and proximal and distal end portions spaced from one another along the axis, the elongated body being sized and shaped to be received in the body cavity;

[0072] a handle located at the proximal end portion of the elongated body;

[0073] a motor in the handle, the motor operably coupled to the elongated body to drive the elongated body to rotate about the axis of the elongated body;

[0074] a tissue removal element mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated body, the tissue removal element being configured to remove the tissue when the tissue removal element is rotated within the body cavity by the elongated body;

[0075] a slide assembly operably coupled to the motor and configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle to impart linear movement to the motor within the handle, the slide assembly including a knob accessible on the exterior of the handle;

[0076] The knob is selectively rotatable along a first direction relative to the handle between a first angular position and a second angular position, wherein in the first angular position, the sliding assembly is unlocked and can move linearly relative to the handle, and in the second angular position, the sliding assembly is locked and prohibited from moving linearly relative to the handle.

[0077] The angle between the first angular position and the second angular position is fixed, so that the knob is prohibited from rotating in the first direction beyond the second angular position.

[0078] 18. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 17, wherein the angle between the first angular position and the second angular position is approximately 90 degrees.

[0079] 19. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 17, wherein the knob is configured to be releasably locked in the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0080] 20. The tissue removal catheter of paragraph 19, further comprising a snap-fit ​​connection configured to releasably lock the knob in the first angular position and the second angular position.

[0081] When introducing elements of the present invention or one or more embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0082] As various changes could be made in the above-described apparatus, systems and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A tissue removal catheter (10) for removing tissue in a body cavity, the tissue removal catheter (10) comprising: an elongated body (12) having an axis and proximal and distal end portions spaced from one another along the axis, the elongated body (12) being sized and shaped to be received in the body cavity; a handle (41) located at the proximal end portion of the elongated body (12); a motor (43) located in the handle (41), the motor (43) being operably coupled to the elongated body (12) to drive the elongated body (12) to rotate about the axis of the elongated body (12); a tissue removal element (20) mounted on the distal end portion of the elongated body (12), the tissue removal element (20) being configured to remove the tissue when the tissue removal element (20) is rotated within the body cavity by the elongated body (12); a slide assembly (50) operably coupled to the motor (43) and configured to selectively move linearly relative to the handle (41) to impart linear movement to the motor (43) within the handle (41), the slide assembly (50) comprising a knob (55) operable external to the handle (41) and configured to enable the slide assembly (50) to be linearly moved by a user, wherein the knob (55) is selectively rotatable relative to the handle (41); a slide lock (80) disposed in the handle (41), the slide lock (80) being configured to i) selectively lock the slide assembly (50) to prohibit linear movement of the slide assembly (50) relative to the handle (41), and ii) selectively unlock the slide assembly (50) to enable linear movement of the slide assembly (50) relative to the handle (41); and A rotatable cam (82) is operably coupled to the knob (55) such that rotation of the knob (55) imparts rotation to the rotatable cam (82), wherein the rotatable cam (82) is operable to actuate the slide lock (80) for selectively locking and unlocking the slide assembly (50).

2. A tissue removal catheter (10) according to claim 1, wherein the sliding lock (80) and the rotatable cam (82) are coupled to the sliding assembly (50) so that the sliding lock (80) and the rotatable cam (82) can move linearly together with the sliding assembly (50).

3. A tissue removal catheter (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sliding lock (80) includes at least one locking arm (88A, 88B), and the at least one locking arm is configured to be moved to a locking position by the rotatable cam (82) to lock the sliding assembly (50).

4. The tissue removal catheter (10) of claim 3, wherein the at least one locking arm (88A, 88B) comprises first and second opposing locking arms (88A, 88B).

5. The tissue removal catheter (10) of claim 4, wherein the first locking arm and the second locking arm (88A, 88B) are simultaneously displaceable by the rotatable cam (82).

6. The tissue removal catheter (10) of claim 3, wherein the at least one locking arm (88A, 88B) is resiliently biased in an unlocked position in which the slide assembly (50) is unlocked.

7. A tissue removal catheter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the knob (55) is capable of selectively rotating along a first direction relative to the handle (41) between a first angular position and a second angular position, in which the cam (82) rotates to the first angular position and the locking arm (88A, 88B) is in the unlocked position, and in the second angular position, the cam (82) rotates to the second angular position and the locking arm (88A, 88B) is in the locked position.

8. The tissue removal catheter (10) according to claim 3, further comprising a brake receiver (86A, 86B) located in the handle (41), wherein the at least one locking arm (88A, 88B) comprises a brake (84A, 84B), and the brake is configured to be received in the brake receiver (86A, 86B) to lock the sliding assembly (50).

9. The tissue removal catheter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sliding lock (80) comprises a detent mechanism.

10. A tissue removal catheter (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sliding lock (80) includes a brake (84A, 84B) and a detection receiver (86A, 86B), wherein the brake (84A, 84B) includes at least one pawl (88A, 88B) having at least one tooth, wherein the brake receiver (86A, 86B) includes at least one linear rack (86A, 86B) having a plurality of teeth, wherein the at least one pawl (88A, 88B) is capable of selectively moving between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the pawl (88A, 88B) is engaged with the linear rack (86A, 86B) and in which the pawl (88A, 88B) is disengaged from the linear rack (86A, 86B).

11. A tissue removal catheter according to claim 10, wherein the at least one pawl (88A, 88B) includes a first pawl and a second pawl, wherein the at least one linear rack (86A, 86B) includes a first rack and a second rack, wherein the first pawl (88A) is capable of selectively engaging with the first linear rack (86A), and the second pawl (88B) is capable of selectively engaging with the second linear rack (86B).

12. The tissue removal catheter according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the at least one detent (88A, 88B) is resiliently deflectable from the unlocked position to the locked position.

13. The tissue removal catheter of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the at least one pawl (88A, 88B) comprises a plurality of teeth (89A, 89B).

14. A tissue removal catheter according to claim 13, wherein the knob (55) is capable of selectively rotating relative to the handle (41) along a first direction between a first angular position and a second angular position, in which the cam (82) rotates to the first angular position and the at least one pawl (88A, 88B) is in the unlocked position, and in the second angular position, the cam 82 rotates to the second angular position and the pawl (88A, 88B) is in the locked position.

15. The tissue removal catheter of claim 14, wherein the angle between the first angular position and the second angular position is fixed such that the knob (55) is inhibited from rotating in the first direction beyond the second angular position.

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