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 having a proximal end and a distal end, a pair of axially spaced apart radiation shields on the catheter body, and a radiation source. The radiation source applies a radiation dose which is substantially uniform in a radial direction over an entire distance between the axially spaced apart shields.