The invention relates to a contra-rotating cutting assembly for use with an atherectomy device to remove occlusive material from an occluded lumen, such as a blood vessel or other body lumen. The contra-rotating cutting assembly includes a rotatable housing having a distal end, an opposing proximal end and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends. The housing is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis in a first direction. The cutting assembly further includes a rotatable cutter positioned within at least a portion of the lumen of the housing and in coaxial alignment with the housing. The cutter is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis in a second direction opposite the first direction.
