Use of a stent with the capability to inhibit malignant growth in a vessel such as a biliary duct
US5176617A · kind A · utility
249Cited by
1References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1089
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
It is well known that radiation therapy can reduce the proliferation of rapidly growing cancer cells is a malignant tumor. The present invention utilizes a radioisotope which is integral to a stent which can irradiate the tissue in close proximity to the implantation site of the stent in order to reduce the rapid growth of malignant cells in a vessel, such as a bile duct while simultaneously maintaining vessel patency. The radioisotope could be place inside the stent, alloyed into the metal from which the stent is made, or preferably, it can be coated onto the stent's exterior surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.