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 having three concentric tubes. The innermost tube has a guide wire lumen and an inflation lumen. The distal end of the innermost tube has an integral inflatable occlusion balloon in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The intermediate tube has a lumen through which the innermost tube extends. The distal end of the intermediate tube has a self-expanding balloon with a plurality of fluid pores in fluid communication with the intermediate tube lumen. The outer tube has a lumen through which the intermediate tube extends. Sclerosing agent is dispensed through the intermediate tube to pores located at the distal end of the intermediate tube or in the self-expanding balloon. Veins are sclerosed as the self-expanding balloon is pulled through and ultimately out of the vein.