VASCULAR SYSTEM TREATING METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

This invention is an apparatus and method for delivering a treating element (22), such as a radiation source, through a catheter (60) to a desired site in avascular system of a patient, such as a coronary art ery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty . The apparatus includes an elongate flexible catheter tube (20) having proximal a nd distal portions, with a lumen (202) extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion into the patient's vascular system. One or moretreating elements (22), such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal endportions under the force of a liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously w ith a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.