METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SCLEROSING THE WALL OF A VARICOSE VEIN

摘要

A preferred apparatus for delivering an intravascular drug such as a sclerosing agent (or a microfoam sclerosing agent) to a varicose vein includes a catheter (10) having three concentric tubes (12, 14, 16). The innermost tube (12) has a guide wire lumen (18) and an inflation lumen (20). The distal end of the innermost tube (12) has integral inflatable occlusion balloon (24) in fluid communication with the inflation lumen (20). The intermediate tube (16) has a lumen through which the innermost tube extends. The distal end of the intermediate tube (16) has a self-expanding balloon (28) with a plurality of fluid pores in fluid communication with the intermediate tube lumen. The outer tube (14) has a lumen through which the intermediate tube (16) extends. Sclerosing agent is dispensed through the intermediate tube (16) to pores located at the distal end of the intermediate tube (16) or in the self-expanding balloon (28). Veins are sclerosed as the self-expanding balloon (28) is pulled through and ultimately out of the vein.