Debulking catheters and methods

A system for removing material collected within an atherectomy device during an atherectomy procedure performed at a vascular location comprising:

• an elongate body having first and second openings;
• a torque transmitting element contained within the elongate body, the torque transmitting element being rotatable;
• a cutting element coupled to the torque transmitting element, the cutting element being configured to be rotated by the torque transmitting element when cutting material from the vascular location, the cutting element being oriented to direct the material cut from the vascular location through the first opening, the second opening being selectively movable between an open position and a closed position by a user, the second opening being in the closed position when the cutting element is used to cut the material from the vascular location;
• a containment chamber contained within the elongate body, the containment chamber being positioned to receive the material directed through the first opening;
• and
• a material removal device configured to be coupled to the elongate body to apply fluid pressure through the first opening to expel cut material within the containment chamber through the second opening when the second opening is in the open position.