| 主权项 |
1. A method of embolizing an artery in a living subject using a catheter, the catheter having a lumen that provides a fluid tight path between a distal end of the catheter and a proximal portion of the catheter and a balloon located near the distal end of the catheter, the method comprising the steps of:
introducing the distal end of the catheter into the artery; inflating the balloon to form a seal that prevents blood in the artery from flowing past the balloon, wherein the inflating step is implemented after the introducing step; injecting a first quantity of contrast agent through the lumen into a portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon, wherein the step of injecting the first quantity of contrast agent is implemented after the step of inflating the balloon; determining, based on detected motion of the first quantity of contrast agent, whether the balloon has formed an adequate seal; making an adjustment to improve the seal if it is determined, in the determining step, that the balloon has not formed an adequate seal; injecting a mixture that includes embolic particles and a second quantity of contrast agent through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon, wherein the step of injecting the mixture is implemented after the step of making an adjustment; injecting a fluid that contains platelets through the lumen into the portion of the artery that is distally beyond the balloon, wherein the step of injecting the fluid is implemented during or after the step of injecting the mixture; deflating the balloon, wherein the deflating step is implemented after the step of injecting the fluid; and withdrawing the distal end of the catheter, wherein the withdrawing step is implemented after the deflating step. |
