Patent ID: 6013019
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: A61F,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A temporary radioisotope stent catheter system for applying radiation at the site of a dilated stenosis within a vessel of the human body, the catheter system comprising:an elongated, cylindrical, inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;an elongated, cylindrical, thin-walled outer shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the outer shaft being situated coaxially around the inner shaft and being adapted to move slideably relative to the inner shaft;a temporary radioisotope stent having a multiplicity of longitudinal struts, each longitudinal strut including a radioactive source, the radioactive source having the capability for irradiating the tissue of the dilated stenosis when the longitudinal struts are deployed radially outward so that at least one of the struts is in contact with the inner surface of the dilated stenosis, the temporary radioisotope stent also having a proximal end that is fixedly attached to the distal end of the outer shaft and a distal end that is fixedly attached to the distal end of the inner shaft; anda temporary radioisotope stent operating means that is adapted to move the inner shaft in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer shaft, the temporary radioisotope stent being deployed radially outward when the inner shaft is moved in a proximal direction relative to the outer shaft and the temporary radioisotope stent being retracted radially inward when the inner shaft is moved in a distal direction relative to the outer shaft.