Patent ID: 8257411
Filing Date: 2012-09-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for the treatment of varices in the genital/pelvic area or in the oesophageal area, comprising the steps of: a. inserting a hollow catheter having an inner lumen into a blood vessel and advancing a distal end of said catheter to a position proximate to at least one varix selected from the group consisting of a varicocele, a female pelvic varix, and an oesophageal varix; b. inserting an optical waveguide, whose proximal end is connected to a radiation source and whose distal end distributes radiation, into the inner lumen of said catheter; c. advancing said distal end of said waveguide through said distal end of said catheter to a predetermined point near said at least one varix; d. irradiating blood within said varix with radiation from said radiation source so as to cause closure of said at least one varix; and wherein said radiation has a wavelength of 980 +/−20 nm and is applied in a series of pulses, said pulses having a pulse length of about 1-1.5 second and being separated by about 1 second.