US Patent 8628549 Atherectomy devices, systems, and methods

The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and methods relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens. In some variations, the methods comprise providing a vascular device comprising a catheter body, a cutter assembly, a drive mechanism, a torque shaft, and a deflecting mechanism. The methods may further comprise operating the drive mechanism to cut occlusive material, operating the deflecting mechanism to deflect the cutter assembly, and rotating the distal end of the catheter body to sweep the cutter assembly.