Patent ID: 6190355
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A method for inhibiting restenosis comprising:providing a device for heating a blood vessel wall region having an elongate shaft including a distal region; a tube attached to said shaft distal region, said tube having a lumen therethrough, said tube having an outer surface and a heating wire disposed about said outer surface; a supply wire extending along said shaft and having a proximal end, said supply wire electrically connected to said heating wire; an inflatable balloon extending over said tube, said balloon having an interior; and an inflation lumen being substantially co-extensive with said elongate shaft, said inflation lumen being in fluid communication with said balloon interior; said balloon interior being in thermal communication with said heating wire;advancing said shaft distal region across a blood vessel region;inflating said balloon by infusing said inflation lumen with inflation fluid;connecting said supply wire proximal end to an electrical power source;measuring a temperature near said vessel wall;adjusting said power source to maintain said temperature near a desired temperature of about 42.degree. C. to 45.degree. C. for a desired time period;perfusing blood through said tube; andwithdrawing said shaft distal region.