THERAPEUTIC DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF VARICOSITY

摘要

The present invention provides methods and devices for treating varicosities, including varicose veins, by administering therapeutic energy. In one embodiment, energy is delivered to the interior of a vessel using a catheter containing an energy emitting source, thereby causing ablation of the vessel without damage to surrounding tissue. The methods of the invention may further include the use of a photosensitizer that binds to the interior of the vessel wall or a chromophore, both of which generate localized thermal damage to the interior vessel wall without harming surrounding tissue. In another embodiment, the present invention provides less invasive methods of treating varicosities, which include introducing a heat-activated glue, photosensitizer solution, or heatable liquid into a vessel being treated and administering light from an external source sufficient to activate the glue to close the vessel, activate the photosensitizer to damage the vessel, or heat the liquid to damage the vessel.