An atherectomy device comprising cannula systems having lumens adapted for
insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for
performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue.
Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in
providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass.
The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that
comprises a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or
other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or
vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy
are also disclosed herein.