Patent ID: 6183410
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
Apparatus for selectively radiating with radioactive emissions the inside surface of blood vessels, body cavities and the like of a patient, said apparatus comprising:a resilient, elongate guide means configured for threading into and contacting the inside surface of a blood vessel, body cavity or the like, said guide means having a helical section shaped as a coil when unconstrained, yet configured to be straightenable for insertion into and movement through a catheter having a distal end, for discharge therefrom to re-assume a helical coil shape and occupy a target location adjacent said distal end, and having at least one lumen formed therein configured for guiding a radiation source in an arcuate path within the helical coil adjacent an interior wall of said blood vessel, body cavity or the like at the target location;an elongate wire means slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide means, said wire means including a proximal end and a distal end; anda radiation source disposed near said distal end configured for exposing the tissue of the blood vessel, body cavity or the like to radioactive emissions.