Engineering investigation of the Kensey dynamic angioplasty catheter

Abstract This article describes an in vitro experimental study which was designed to gain a better understanding of the mechanism by which the Kensey catheter mediates atherosclerotic tissue. The major goals of the study were to observe the generation of debris particles during revascularization and to elucidate the fluid dynamic effects associated with particle motions at and around the tip of the catheter. To investigate these phenomena, in vitro actual size and large scale model experiments were conducted. The results of these experiments provide a reference for the significance of the clinical performance of the Kensey catheter.