The present invention provides devices, systems, methods and kits for the
percutaneous removal of unwanted tissue or obstructive matter from body
cavities or lumens, particularly from the vasculature. Blood vessels,
including the coronary, peripheral and neurovascular circulation, which
are narrowed or blocked by atheromatous material or plaque are often
treated with traditional endarterectomy procedures. The present invention
allows the benefits of such a procedure with an intraluminal approach,
particularly a percutaneous approach. Generally, the present invention
provides a set of catheters or tools which are percutaneously
introduceable to the site of the blockage or occlusion. The tools dissect
or cut through the innermost tissue layer of the lumen to an underlying
tissue layer. The innermost tissue layer is then stripped away from the
underlying layer with the occlusive material thereattached. The detached
tissue layer and occlusive material is then removed from the lumen; this
may include additional cutting, maceration and removal through mechanical
aspiration. In any case, the resulting lumen is free of obstruction.