Method and apparatus for treating a desired area in the vascular system of a patient
US6458070B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 1, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0034
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.