APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC AGENTS INTRAVASCULARLY

摘要

An apparatus and method for delivering diagnostic and therapeutic agents intravascularly in which the apparatus has a shape defined by a preset shape of a resilient fiber core. The resilient fiber core is covered by a soft polymer tubing or other polymer material to form a delivery apparatus that takes the shape of the resilient fiber core. Various shapes and structures are disclosed that infuse diagnostic and therapeutic agents through a lumen of the polymer tubing, that deliver the agents in the form of a soluble coating, and that circulate or contain a preloaded charge of radioactive material for intravascular radiotherapy. The resilient fiber core and soft polymer material permit the construction of a very small apparatus that can be removed easily following treatment. Various deployment systems are disclosed for deploying the delivery apparatuses into a vessel and for protecting against radiation exposure.