A rotational atherectomy device for removing a stenotic tissue from a vessel of a patient comprises a flexible hollow drive shaft and an abrasive element mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced from a solid support element mounted at the distal end of the drive shaft, the solid support element having a rounded outer surface and an outflow channel with an outflow opening in said rounded outer surface. The drive shaft comprises a torque transmitting coil and at least one fluid impermeable membrane forming a fluid impermeable lumen for the antegrade flow of fluid into the outflow channel such that, during rotation of the drive shaft, a flow of fluid out of said outflow opening forms a fluid bearing between the rotating solid support element and the wall of the treated vessel.
