Method and apparatus for forming cuts in catheters, guide wires, and the like

A method of cutting an elongate object when using a cutting device which includes a movable cutting means comprising at least one circular saw blade, a collet clamp for holding the elongate object while the at least one circular saw blade makes an incision therein, and a rotatable pinch roller assembly configured for advancing the elongate object to the collet clamp and rotating the elongate object, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a length of the elongate object to the pinch roller assembly;
• b) causing the pinch roller assembly to advance the elongate object toward the collet clamp and to rotate the elongate member about a lengthwise axis so that a desired location to be cut is presented to the cutting means;
• c) engaging the collet clamp around the elongate object;
• d) advancing the cutting means toward the elongate object;
• e) cutting the elongate object to a desired depth;
• and
• f) retracting the cutting means.

A method of cutting an elongate object, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a cutting device including a movable cutting means;
• b) providing a clamping means for holding the elongate object while the cutting means makes an incision therein;
• c) providing a manipulating means including a pinch roller assembly configured for rotating the elongate object about a lengthwise axis of the elongate member and advancing the elongate object toward the clamping means;
• d) providing a length of the elongate object to the manipulating means;
• e) causing the manipulating means to rotate the elongate object and to advance the elongate object toward the clamping means so that a portion of the elongate object to be cut is disposed so as to be positioned for cutting by the cutting means;
• f) engaging the clamping means so as to hold the elongate object immobile for cutting;
• g) advancing the cutting means toward the elongate object until the cutting means cuts the elongate object to a desired depth;
• and
• h) retracting the cutting means away from the elongate object.