In an embodiment, the invention provides a catheter suitable for use in
performing a procedure within a vessel, lumen or organ of a living having
a distal end which is steerable, such as upon the application of
compression. The catheter may be of the over the wire type, or
alternatively may be a rapid exchange catheter. The catheter may provide
for a rotating element which may be used to open a clogged vessel, or
alternatively to provide information about adjacent tissues, such as may
be generated by imaging or guiding arrangements using tissue detection
systems known in the art, e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence
reflectometry, etc. For rapid exchange catheters having a rotating
element, there is provided an offset drive assembly to allow the rotary
force to be directed from alongside the guidewire to a location coaxial
to and over the guidewire.