USE OF RADIATION FOR INHIBITING HYPERPLASIA AFTER INTRAVASCULAR INTERVENTION

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for applying a radially uniform radiation dose to an intravascular treatment region to inhibit hyperplasia, and specifically to reduce "candy-wrapper" ends, following intravascular intervention. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises a catheter body (10) having a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16), a pair of axially spaced apart radiation shields (18 and 20) on the catheter body (10), and a radiation source (22). The radiation source (22) applies a radiation dose, which is substantially uniform in a radial direction over an entire distance between the axially spaced apart shields (18 and 20).