The Kensey catheter: preliminary results with a transluminal atherectomy tool

J Vasc Surg. 1988 Oct;8(4):541-3. doi: 10.1067/mva.1988.avs0080541.

Abstract

The Kensey dynamic angioplasty instrument is an atherectomy device approved by the Food and Drug Administration that uses a rotating cam tip housed within a flexible polyurethane catheter to recanalize obstructed and stenotic arteries. Twenty patients with significant femoral arteriosclerotic occlusive disease underwent attempted transluminal endarterectomy of 23 extremities with the Kensey catheter. Significant improvements of superficial femoral artery luminal diameter was achieved in 10 of 13 patients with stenosis and passage of the spinning catheter tip at 60,000 to 90,000 rpm through areas of complete occlusion was successful in 4 of 10 cases. Balloon dilatation was used as an adjunct to increase the diameter of the superficial femoral artery lumen in 11 of 14 successful cases. This preliminary report provides technical data and short-term follow-up of this new innovative vascular tool.

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon / instrumentation*
  • Arteriosclerosis / therapy*
  • Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Femoral Artery*
  • Humans